Dissemination of Metallo-β-Lactamase Gene blaIMP-4 Among Gram-Negative Pathogens in a Clinical Setting

Synopsis:

Investigators reported finding the presence of a metallo-β-lactamase gene mediating resistance to multiple β-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems, among multiple species of Gramnegative pathogens isolated from a single hospital in Australia. Epidemiologic and molecular evidence suggested horizontal transmission of a mobile genetic element.