Emergence of Morganellaceae Harboring blaIMP-27 Metalloenzyme in Canada

mSphere. 2021 May 19;6(3):e00048-21. doi: 10.1128/mSphere.00048-21.

Abstract

In 2018 to 2019, PCR for carbapenemases in routine Gram-negative isolates submitted to the National Microbiology Laboratory revealed an increase in IMP-type metalloenzyme-positive isolates, mostly among Morganellaceae Whole-genome sequencing revealed that 23 Morganellaceae harbored blaIMP-27 within a chromosomal Tn7 element. Phylogenomics indicated diversity of isolates but also the presence of a few clonal isolates dispersed geographically. These isolates may be difficult to detect due to carbapenem susceptibility and false-negative results in phenotypic testing.IMPORTANCE Over the last decade or so, the frequency of isolation of clinical carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) has increased among health care-associated infections. This may seriously compromise antimicrobial therapy, as carbapenems are considered the last line of defense against these organisms. The ability of carbapenemases to hydrolyze most β-lactams in addition to the co-occurrence of mechanisms of resistance to other classes of antimicrobials in CPOs can leave few options for treating infections. The class B metalloenzymes are globally distributed carbapenemases, and the most commonly found include the NDM, VIM, and IMP types. Our study describes a sudden emergence of IMP-27-harboring Morganellaceae during 2018 to 2019 in Canada. There is a paucity of literature on IMP-27 isolates, and our data bolster the information on the genetic context, antimicrobial profiles, and phylogenomics of this group of CPOs.

Keywords: Morganellaceae; antimicrobial resistance; metallo-beta-lactamase.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics*
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Carbapenems / pharmacology
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Enterobacteriaceae / classification
  • Enterobacteriaceae / enzymology*
  • Enterobacteriaceae / genetics*
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / epidemiology
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Phylogeny*
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Whole Genome Sequencing
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Carbapenems
  • beta-Lactamases
  • carbapenemase