Agila Kumari Pragasam

Molecular Mechanisms of Colistin Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae Causing Bacteremia from India—A First Report

Colistin has long been a reserve drug used for the treatment of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Carbapenem resistance in K. pneumoniae has been increasing and is as high as 44% in India. Although a reserve agent, with rise in rates of resistance to carbapenems, the usage of colistin has increased over the years leading to slow emergence of resistance. Colistin resistance is mainly mediated by the alteration in the LPS of bacterial outer membrane with the addition of L-Ara4-N and PEtN molecules. These alterations are mediated by mutations in several genes involved in lipidA modifications and most commonly mutations in mgrB gene has been reported. Recently there is emergence of plasmid mediated resistance due to mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes which poses a threat for the rapid global spread. This study aims at characterizing eight colistin resistant K. pneumoniae from bacteremia by whole genome sequencing. Eight K. pneumoniae were isolated from blood culture during 2013 and 2014 at the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College, India. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for colistin and polymyxin B by broth-micro dilution method. Whole genome sequencing was performed using Ion Torrent and the genome of all eight isolates was analyzed. The eight isolates were resistant to all the antimicrobials expect tigecycline. MIC of colistin and polymyxin B were ranged from 4 to 1024 μg/ml and 0.5 to 2048 μg/ml respectively. Multiple mutations were observed in the chromosomal genes involved in lipid A modifications. mcr-1 and mcr-2 gene was absent in all the isolates. The most significant were mutations in mgrB gene. Among the eight isolates, four, three and one were belonged to sequence types ST 231, ST14 and ST147 respectively. Seven isolates had blaOXA−48 like, one co-expressed blaNDM−1 and blaOXA−48 like genes leading to carbapenem resistance. Overall, multiple numbers of alterations have been observed. This includes silent mutations, point mutations, insertions and/or deletions. Mutations in mgrB gene is responsible for resistance to colistin in this study. Due to emergence of resistance to reserve drugs, there is a need for combination therapies for carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae and colistin must be judiciously used.

A Pilot Study on Carbapenemase Detection: Do We See the Same Level of Agreement as with the CLSI Observations

INTRODUCTION Rapid identification of carbapenemase producing organisms is of great importance for timely detection, treatment and implementation of control measures to prevent the spread. The Modified Hodge Test (MHT) and Carba NP test is recommended by CLSI for the detection of carbapenemases in Enterobacteriaceae. However, MHT may give false positive results or fail to detect metallo β-lactamases (MBLs). In the US, MHT is the most widely used test for detection of carbapenemases and has been found to have a sensitivity and specificity of >90% for bla KPC producers. However, in India, the prevalence of bla NDM is higher than bla KPC producers. AIM To evaluate the usefulness of CarbaNP in an Indian setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 260 isolates of carbapenem resistant E.coli (n=57), Klebsiella spp. (n=85), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=60), and Acinetobacter baumannii (58) isolated from clinical specimens between 2012-2014 at the Christian Medical College, Vellore were included in the study. All the carbapenem resistant isolates were subjected to CarbaNP, MHT and multiplex PCR for detection of carbapenemase genes. RESULTS CarbaNP was found to be positive in 88% (n=50/57), 81% (n=69/51), 38% (n=23/60) and 81% (n=47/58) for E.coli, Klebsiella spp., P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii respectively. While in MHT it showed, 89% (n=51/57) and 81 % (n=69/85) for E.coli and Klebsiella spp. respectively. In P.aeruginosa, synergy testing of imipenem plus cloxacillin showed that, 65% of CarbaNP negatives were ampC producers. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of CarbaNP was found to be 94% and 100 for bla NDM; 77% and 100 % for bla OXA-48 like producers and 81% and 100% for CarbAcinetoNP respectively. CONCLUSION This observation was more than what was reported in CLSI guidelines. Therefore, it is advisable to evaluate an assay for better laboratory diagnosis at respective regions.

Thyroid dysfunction in Indian children with Down syndrome.

This record review of 82 children with Down Syndrome (DS) between April 2004 and March 2014 who had thyroid dysfunction, showed that majority (76, 92.6%) had subclinical hypothyroidism. Of the 60 patients who underwent radionuclide scan, 63.3% had a normal gland; the rest exhibited only impaired tracer uptake. Ultrasonograms done in 20 patients showed reduction of thyroid gland size in 3 (15%) patients only.

Molecular characterisation of antimicrobial resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii during 2014 and 2015 collected across India

Background: Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is of great importance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii are important pathogens and emergence of resistance in these have increased the morbidity and mortality rates. This surveillance study was initiated by the Government of India - Indian Council of Medical Research. The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile and to characterise the enzyme mediated antimicrobial resistance such as extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases among multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii. Materials and Methods: A multi-centric study was conducted from January 2014 to December 2015 with a total number of 240 MDR P. aeruginosa and 312 MDR A. baumannii isolated from blood, cerebrospinal fluid, respiratory, pus, urine and intra-abdominal infections. Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion was done to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Further, MDR isolates were characterised by multiplex polymerase chain reaction to determine the resistance genes for ESBLs and carbapenemases. Results: Among the ESBLs, blaVEB (23%), blaTEM (5%) and blaSHV (0.4%) in P. aeruginosa and blaPER (54%), blaTEM (16%) and blaSHV (1%) in A. baumannii were the most prevalent. Likewise, blaVIM (37%), blaNDM (14%), blaGES (8%) and blaIMP (2%) in P. aeruginosa and blaOXA-23like (98%), blaOXA-58like (2%), blaNDM (22%) and blaVIM (3%) in A. baumannii were found to be the most prevalent carbapenemases. blaOXA-51like gene, intrinsic to A. baumannii was present in all the isolates tested. Conclusion: The data shown highlight the wide difference in the molecular mechanisms of AMR profile between P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii. In P. aeruginosa, plasmid-mediated mechanisms are much lesser than the chromosomal mediated mechanisms. In A. baumannii, class D oxacillinases are more common than other mechanisms. Continuous surveillance to monitor the trends in AMR among MDR pathogens is important for implementation of infection control and to guide appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy.

Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with discrepant carbapenem susceptibility profile

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common nosocomial pathogen, notorious for its multidrug resistance and causes life threatening infections. Carbapenems were considered as the last resort of drugs for the treatment of multi drug resistant P. aeruginosa infections. The emergence of resistance to carbapenems limits its use for treatment. Unlike other organisms, in P. aeruginosa intrinsic/chromosomal mediated resistance mechanisms plays a major role for carbapenem resistance rather than the carbapenemases. Carbapenemase producing organisms becomes resistant to both imipenem and meropenem. However, in our clinical settings, we have observed rare carbapenem resistant phenotypes such as imipenem resistant but meropenem susceptible (IRMS) and meropenem resistant but imipenem susceptible (MRIS) phenotypes. Thus we have chosen these rare phenotypes to look for the respective resistance mechanisms by phenotypic and molecular methods. From this study we found that, IRMS is primarily due to the mutations across various regions in the loops of oprD gene and MRIS is due to the over expression of mexAB efflux pumps. This study results confirms that, this rare phenotypes are due to the intrinsic/chromosomal mediated mechanisms, which occurred due to the antibiotic selection pressure. This study also provided data concerning alterations in outer membrane permeability which is often associated with the increased levels of antibiotic efflux. Consequently, this study provided the prevalence of the various resistance mechanisms that have deployed by the organism to resist antibiotics through different phenotypes.

Clinical and Bacterial Risk Factors for Mortality in Children with Carbapenem- Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Bloodstream Infections in India.

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are an increasing cause of nosocomial infection in hospitalized children worldwide. Few studies have investigated risk factors for mortality in children with CRE bloodstream infection (BSI). Data are particularly scarce in areas where NDM and OXA carbapenemases predominate. Here, we investigate mortality rates, clinical and microbiologic risk factors for mortality in 50 pediatric patients with CRE BSI in India. Methods: Children younger than 17 years old with meropenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae or Escherichia coli isolated from blood culture in 2014 and 2015 were identified from laboratory records. Clinical records were systematically reviewed for each child to establish mortality at 30 days and clinical details. Bacterial isolates were subjected to meropenem E test and multiplex polymerase chain reaction to determine carbapenemase gene. Data were analyzed to establish clinical and bacterial risk factors for mortality. Results: All CRE BSI were hospital-acquired or associated with healthcare. A total of 84% of children had an underlying comorbidity and 46% had a malignancy. K. pneumoniae was the most common bacteria isolated; NDM was the most common carbapenemase gene detected. The mortality rate was 52%. Significant risk factors for mortality included intensive care admission, intubation, inotropic support and respiratory source. Failure to clear bacteremia and a minimum inhibitory concentration > 8 mg/L for the isolate was associated with a statistically significant increase in mortality. Mortality rates were significantly lower when two or more effective drugs were used in combination. Conclusions: CRE BSI affects children with multiple comorbidities and repeated admissions to hospital. The mortality rate is high; combination therapy may be beneficial.

Synergy Testing between Sulbactam and Meropenem/ Colistin in MDR Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus Complex Isolated from VentilatorAssociated Pneumonia

Background: A. baumannii-calcoaceticus (Abc) complex has surfaced as a major nosocomial pathogen causing blood stream infection and ventilators associated pneumonia (VAP). Carbapenems have come to be the cornerstone of treatment for Abc complex. However, there has been an increased incidence of infections with carbapenem resistant strains. To validate the clinical practice of combination antibiotic therapy, in-vitro combinations of antibiotics have been examined using checkerboard methods, E-tests, and the reference, time-kill assay. Method: A prospective pilot study was conducted for the duration of one year. Twenty five isolates of carbapenem resistant Abc complex cultured from endotracheal aspirates of patients admitted in medical and surgical intensive care units diagnosed with ventilator associated pneumonia were collected. Isolates were tested for MIC (Minimum inhibitory concentration) by micro-broth dilution method for meropenem, sulbactam and colistin. Synergism between sulbactam plus meropenem and sulbactam plus colistin was tested by micro-broth checkerboard assay and the reference, time kill assay. Result: Minimum inhibitory concentration ranges (μg/ml) for sulbactam, meropenem, and colistin were 16-512, 16-256, and 0.5-64, respectively. MIC50 for sulbactam, meropenem, and colistin was 128, 128 and 1, correspondingly, and MIC90 for sulbactam, meropenem, and colistin was 256, 256 and 2, respectively. In the checkerboard assay and time-kill assay, a higher percentage of synergy was noted for the combination of sulbactam plus meropenem. Conclusion: Against multi-drug resistant (MDR) isolates of Abc complex, commendable synergy was seen with time kill assay for sulbactam plus meropenem combination. Therefore, in-vitro combinations of antimicrobial agents are most effective than the single agent against multidrug resistant organism.

Draft Genome Sequence of Extremely Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ST357) Strain CMC_VB_PA_B22862 Isolated from a Community-Acquired Bloodstream Infection

ABSTRACT Extremely drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains causing severe infections have become a serious concern across the world. Here, we report draft genome sequence of P. aeruginosa with an extremely drug-resistant profile isolated from a patient with community-acquired bloodstream infection in India.

Strengths and limitations of various screening methods for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae including new method recommended by clinical and laboratory standards institute, 2017: A tertiary care experience

Carbapenemase-mediated carbapenem resistance is a major concern across the world. Rapid detection of carbapenemase-producing organisms is of great importance in clinical settings. However, it is essential to have a test with good sensitivity and specificity. The aim of the study was to compare the performance of RAPIDEC® CARBA NP and modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM) recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guideline 2017. A total of ninety carbapenem resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae have been tested. The presence of various carbapenemases was screened by conventional multiplex polymerase chain reaction. RAPIDEC® CARBA NP detected 90%, whereas mCIM detected 99% of the study isolates tested. Although RAPIDEC® CARBA NP is a rapid test, the sensitivity is reduced for blaOxa-48Likedetection; while mCIM could pick up blaOxa-48Likeenzymes with excellent sensitivity. Further, organisms producing low carbapenemase activity enzymes, thickness of the inoculum and the disc potency are likely to influence the test results of mCIM with an overnight delay.

Typhoid fever: issues in laboratory detection, treatment options & concerns in management in developing countries

Multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi (resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol and cotrimoxazole), was significantly reduced with the increased usage of fluoroquinolones and azithromycin. This has led to declining multidrug resistance rates in India with increasing ciprofloxacin nonsusceptibility rates and clinical failures due to azithromycin. However, for the available agents such as ceftriaxone, azithromycin and fluoroquinolones, the dose and duration for treatment is undefined. The ongoing clinical trials for typhoid management are expected to recommend the defined dose and duration for better clinical outcome. We made an attempt to summarize the issues in laboratory detection, treatment options and responses, and the concerns in clinical practice seen in the developing countries.