Hong Kong, Case of metallo-beta-lactamase 2009 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae under CHP investigation (February 20 2013): 23rd case

[Giuseppe Michieli]

[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]

Case of NDM-1 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae under CHP investigation


The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 20) confirmed a case of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a 1-year-old boy.

The boy, with underlying illness, travelled to the Mainland from November to December 2012 and in January 2013 and was hospitalised there during the period. He was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong on February 12 for skin rash and was discharged on February 14. His condition is stable.

The patient's rectal swab grew NDM-1 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, as confirmed by the PHLSB.

Investigations by the CHP are under way.

This is the 23rd detected case of NDM Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Hong Kong.

NDM is an enzyme which can inactivate carbapenems and other beta-lactams such as penicillins. Bacteria harbouring this NDM gene are commonly resistant to multiple antimicrobials, limiting therapeutic options and rendering severe clinical infections difficult to treat. Most bacteria with the NDM enzyme remain susceptible to two types of antibiotics, colistin and tigecycline.

Infections have varied from being asymptomatic to potentially life-threatening or fatal. The level of risk depends on which part of the body is affected by the infection, and the general health of the patient.

NDM-producing Enterobacteriaceae was first reported in a Swedish patient of Indian origin who travelled to New Delhi, India, in 2008. The first fatal case was identified in 2010 in a patient who received medical treatment in Pakistan before being repatriated to Belgium.

NDM-producing Enterobacteriaceae has now been reported in many countries and regions including Australia, Austria, Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Sweden, Singapore, Taiwan, the UK and the US. Most patients had prior hospital contact in the Indian subcontinent.

A CHP spokesperson said that proper use of antibiotics and personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are important for the prevention of emergence and cross-transmission of NDM strains.


Ends/Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:25
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