High Rates of New Delhi Metallo-ß-Lactamase Carbapenemase Genes in Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in Nicaragua.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health crisis. Much of the burden of AMR in resource-limited settings remains unknown. This pilot study characterized clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative rods (MDR-GNRs) from Nicaragua. New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamase (NDM) carbapenemase genes were detected in 60% of isolates. Enterobacteriaceae had the highest rates of NDM detection, with 92% (50/54 isolates) positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis revealed patterns of clustering among isolates by two factors: plasmid profiles and year of culture. These findings of very high rates of NDM-carbapenemase genes in MDR-GNRs from hospitals throughout Nicaragua are alarming. Further research is needed to determine clinical and epidemiologic factors associated with multidrug-resistant isolates and to guide interventions to limit further spread.