Detection of the blaNDM-1 Gene in Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales Causing Urinary Tract Infections in Patients at a Rural Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND

Carbapenem-resistant (CRE) pose a significant public health threat due to their resistance to last-line antibiotics. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by multidrug-resistant organisms have become a major challenge in clinical settings. The spread of CRE is largely attributed to the acquisition of carbapenemase-encoding genes, horizontal gene transfer, and overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 9235 urine samples were analyzed, and more than 10 CFU/mL bacterial count was considered positive for UTI. These bacteria were identified and further screened for CRE and NDM-1 genes.

RESULTS

A total of 9235 urine samples were analyzed, out of which 555 were identified as . Among these, 47 were confirmed as CRE, accounting for 8.5% of the isolates. Out of 47 CRE, 28 were positive for the NDM-1 gene.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the increasing burden of CRE and the urgent need for stringent antimicrobial stewardship, effective infection control measures, and the development of new therapeutic strategies to combat MDR infections. Additionally, risk factors associated with CRE infections, their implications on public health, and potential future therapeutic approaches are discussed.