N 5 (190) 2024. P. 40–44

MBL ENCODING GENES IN GRAM-NEGATIVE ESKAPE PATHOGENS FROM THE BLOODSTREAM OF ICU COVID-19 PATIENTS

A. V. Bondarenko, I. V. Chumachenko, N. V. Dotsenko, O. V. Bondarenko, D. V. Katsapov, N. V. Neskoromna, S. O. Chebotarova, M. V. Lytvynenko, V. V. Gargin

Kharkiv National Medical University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Private Institution of Higher Education “Kharkiv International Medical University”, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Odesa National Medical University, Odesa, Ukraine

DOI 10.32782/2226-2008-2024-5-6

Introduction. Severe COVID-19 cases face high risks of secondary bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance due to prolonged hospital stays and heavy antibacterial use. Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) like VIM (Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase), IMP (imipenemase), and NDM (New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase) confer broad resistance to β-lactams in Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens, complicating intensive care unit (ICU) treatments and reducing survival rates. Rapid identification of these infections is crucial for critically ill patients.

Objective. The present study investigated β-lactamase genes in Gram-negative ESKAPE strains from COVID-19 ICU patients, focusing on MBL-producing strains.

Materials and methods. Blood samples were collected from ICU COVID-19 patients at Kharkiv’s Regional Clinical Infectious Hospital, Ukraine, and analyzed using real-time PCR to detect MBL genes (VIM, IMP, NDM).

Results. MBL genes were identified in 43.6% of Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens. NDM was found in 13.3%, VIM in 28.4%, and IMP in 1.9% of cases. E. coli showed a high incidence of MBL genes, while P. aeruginosa had the highest prevalence (72.2%). This reveals significant resistance levels that complicate ICU treatments.

Discussion. The high prevalence of MBL genes underscores the urgent need for advanced infection control and antimicrobial stewardship.

Real-time PCR offers a rapid, effective method for identifying resistant strains, allowing healthcare facilities to take timely actions.

Conclusions. Carbapenem resistance in ESKAPE pathogens poses a serious challenge in ICU settings. High levels of MBL genes in bacteria like E. coli and P. aeruginosa raise concerns of interspecies resistance spread. Real-time PCR aids swift pathogen identification, essential for managing high-risk patients. Traditional infection control is insufficient; targeted approaches are needed. Agile infection control improves response and safety, helping manage antibiotic resistance.

Key words: Metallo-β-lactamases, ESKAPE pathogens, COVID-19, PCR, Agile.

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