Large outbreak of infection and colonization with gram-negative pathogens carrying the metallo- beta -lactamase gene blaIMP-4 at a 320-bed tertiary hospital in Australia

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2007 Jan;28(1):98-101. doi: 10.1086/508841. Epub 2006 Dec 20.

Abstract

A large outbreak of infection and colonization with multiple genera of gram-negative bacilli carrying the metallo- beta -lactamase gene bla(IMP-4) occurred in a 36-bed intensive care unit at a tertiary hospital in Australia. The organisms emerged rapidly, caused severe infections, and contributed to mortality. Controlling the spread of these organisms remains a challenge for all staff involved.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / drug effects
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / enzymology*
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / genetics
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / growth & development*
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / epidemiology*
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / enzymology
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / isolation & purification
  • Serratia marcescens / drug effects
  • Serratia marcescens / enzymology
  • Serratia marcescens / isolation & purification
  • beta-Lactam Resistance
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics*
  • beta-Lactamases / metabolism

Substances

  • beta-lactamase IMP-4
  • beta-Lactamases