Imipenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae transmission in a long-term-care facility during a community-wide multidrug resistant organism outbreak-North Carolina, 2017

Abstract

We describe an outbreak of imipenemase metallo-β-lactamase-producing organisms in a long-term-care facility (LTCF) amid a larger community outbreak of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing organisms. Transmission was propagated by inadequate infection prevention practices. We provided infection prevention recommendations and education, facilitated colonization screening, and increased interfacility communication. This outbreak demonstrates the unmet need for infection prevention education in long-term-care facilities and the importance of prompt public health response to ensure appropriate identification, containment, and prevention of emerging resistance.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance; Carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae; Health care–associated; Infection prevention.