Article

Carbapenem resistence and Carbapenemase classification of Enterobacteriaceae in Intensive Care Unit: A cross-sectional study

Huong Quynh Nguyen Le1, Linh My Le Dang2, Ngan Truong Thi Pham3, Chuong Van Le4, Thanh Kien Lam5, Loan Hong Luong2, Tuan Minh Huynh1,3,*
Author Information & Copyright
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3Department of Infection Control, University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
4Quality Control Center for Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
5Faculty of Medical Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
*Corresponding author: Tuan Minh Huynh. E-mail: huynhtuan@ump.edu.vn

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Published Online: Jul 29, 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) poses a significant challenge in treating infections, leading to increased mortality and healthcare burden. Early and accurate identification of CRE is crucial for appropriate antibiotic selection. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CRE isolated from ICU patients and carbapenemase gene profiles among Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on Enterobacteriaceae isolates from 53 ICU patients from March to May 2023. Among 125 initial isolates, 89 non-duplicated Enterobacteriaceae strains were included. Carbapenem resistance was determined from Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility testing results. Carbapenemase-producing phenotype and carbapenemase classification were classified from BD Phoenix M50 results using the NMIC-500 CPO panel. Carbapenemase-encoding gene were identified from amplification results of carbapenemase-encoding genes in K. pneumoniae strains using multiplex real-time PCR.

Results: Of 89 isolates, 51 (57.3%) were carbapenem-resistant, predominantly K. pneumoniae (34/48, 70.8%) and S. marcescens (12/13, 92.3%). All isolates were carbapenem-resistant due to carbapenemase production. Class D carbapenemase was the most prevalent (39/51, 76.5%). Among K. pneumoniae isolates, 12/34 harboured single carbapenemase genes: blaOXA-48-like (17.7%), blaKPC (14.7%), and blaNDM-1 (2.9%); Sixteen isolates carried two genes: blaNDM-1+blaOXA-48-like and blaKPC+blaOXA-48-like; Three isolates possessed three genes: blaKPC+blaNDM-1+blaOXA-48-like. Multiple gene carriage was significantly associated with increased antibiotic resistance (p<0.01).

Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of carbapenemase-producing, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. This significantly increased the risk of spreading multidrug-resistant pathogens. Therefore, stronger infection control measures are in demand. Additionally, automated susceptibility testing and carbapenemase class identification are crucial for guiding treatment decisions.

Keywords: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae; antimicrobial resistance; carbapenemase