Outbreak of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in a Southern California hospital.

Background: Carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CP-CRPA) is a major public health threat due to limited treatment options and high transmissibility. Though widespread globally, few instances of locally transmitted New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing CP-CRPA have been documented in the United States. Here, a cluster of locally transmitted NDM-1 CP-CRPA infections in Southern California is reported.

Methods: Epidemiologic investigations involving both patient screening and environmental surveillance by microbiological culture, carbapenemase testing, and bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were conducted.

Results: Through extensive epidemiologic investigations, a sink environmental reservoir was identified. A genetically unique strain of NDM-CRPA was identified to be transmitted among 7 patients in a single hospital over the course of 1.5 years. Changes in antimicrobial resistance genes harbored by a mobile genetic element (MGE) were identified between the index and later cases, and the gene encoding NDM-1 resided within a MGE on the chromosome displaying evidence of widespread transmission between different species. Several interventions were implemented including sink P-trap replacement and disinfectant against Pseudomonas biofilms. No additional cases were identified after the interventions.

Conclusions: Implementation of real-time pathogen surveillance enabled effective response to an ongoing outbreak that involved environmental sampling, microbiological testing, whole-genome sequencing, facility management and updated infection prevention policies.