Nosocomial emerging of (VIM1) carbapenemase-producing isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae in North of Iran

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The rapid emergence and dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains and other members of the Enterobacteriaceae poses a considerable threat to the care of hospitalized patients and to public health. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) and VIM-1 gene in multidrug-resistant strains of K. pneumoniae. METHODS: 50 isolates of non – duplicated K. pneumoniae cultured from patients at intensive care units were tested for their susceptibilities to 13 different antibiotics using microbroth dilution assay. Isolates showing resistance to at least one of the carbapenems were checked for production of metallo-β-lactamase (MBLs) using imipenem–EDTA synergy tests. PCR was used to detect the gene encoding VIM-1 metallo-β-lactamase (MBL). RESULTS: Of 50 clinical isolates, 26 (52%) were resistant to imipenem in disk diffusion method. Using imipenem–EDTA synergy tests, production of MBL was detected in 15 (30%) isolates. PCR assay showed that 15 isolates were positive for VIM and these included 10 and 5 isolates showing positive and negative results in phenotypic method of MBL detection test respectively. Amikacin was found as the most effective antibiotic against the MBL producers in this study. CONCLUSION: The emergence of bla(VIM-1) producing K. pneumoniae in North of Iran is concerning. Microorganisms producing bla(VIM-1) constitute the prevalent multidrug-resistant population of K. pneumoniae in that region.