We are pleased to share the results of a study in which our CISeAL Research Associate José Villacís took part, which sheds light on the molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli in Ecuador. This study arises in response to the growing global concern about antimicrobial resistance and its impact on public health.
During the study, 95 clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli were collected from six Ecuadorian hospitals. A high prevalence of carbapenemase production was observed in 96.84% of the isolates. The blaKPC, blaNDM and blaOXA-48 genes predominated in Enterobacterales, with blaKPC being the most prevalent. On the other hand, the blaVIM gene was detected in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while blaOXA-24/40 was the most common in Acinetobacter baumannii.
Most isolates showed co-resistance to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. However, both ceftazidime/avibactam and meropenem/vaborbactam demonstrated activity against carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli that produce serine-carbapenemases.
The results of this study highlight the prevalence of resistant strains in the Ecuadorian context, with significant implications for public health. There is an urgent need to implement effective strategies to reduce the spread of resistant strains and promote the rational use of antimicrobials in the country.
This study provides a detailed overview of antimicrobial resistance in Ecuador, which can serve as a starting point for the development of public health policies and strategies aimed at addressing this important problem. It emphasizes the importance of continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and the implementation of preventive measures to contain the spread of resistant strains in clinical and community settings.
Read the full article for more information on this important study and its impact on the health of the Ecuadorian population at the following link:
https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-024-09248-6
