“Stormy waters ahead”: global emergence of carbapenemases

1Carbapenems are potent and broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics traditionally reserved for the treatment of the most serious infections. The emergence and dissemination of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterobacteriaceae is a significant contributor to patient morbidity and mortality. Despite radical efforts in infection control and improvements in rapid molecular diagnostics, carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli remain a formidable threat as few antimicrobial agents are reliably active and very little is expected to be available in the near future.

2Clinicians hold that the increasing prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) among Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in the 1980s and 1990s contributed to the increased consumption of carbapenems. Experience implied that delayed administration of carbapenems in at-risk patients led to poor clinical outcomes. Thus, carbapenems (i.e., imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem, and doripenem) became vital tools in the treatment of healthcare-associated and severe community-acquired infections. Despite heavy reliance on these agents, carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae, common causes of both community and healthcare-associated infections, remained rare until the past decade.

3Carbapenem resistance among Gram-negative bacteria results from one or more of the following mechanisms: (i) hyperproduction or derepression of Ambler class C β-lactamases (AmpC β-lactamases) or ESBLs (e.g., sulfhydryl variable (SHV), temoneira (TEM), cefotaxime (CTX-M) type β-lactamases) with loss or alteration in outer membrane porins; (ii) augmented drug efflux; (iii) alterations in penicillin binding proteins (PBPs); (iv) carbapenemase production. Carbapenemases belong to three molecular classes of β-lactamases, Ambler class A, B, and D. Our aim is to provide a status report of the molecular diversity and epidemiology of carbapenemases as well as current and future therapeutics. The increasing public safety concerns associated with organisms harboring these enzymes has created significant turmoil. Regrettably, the situation is critical and our patients are in peril.

4Few Ambler class A β-lactamases demonstrate carbapenem-hydrolyzing activity and, up until a decade ago, these were rarely recovered. Class A carbapenemases include: K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), Guiana extended-spectrum (GES), non-metallo-carbapenemase-A (Nmc-A)/imipenem-resistant (IMI), Serratia marcescens enzyme (SME), serratia fonticola carbapenemase (SFC), and BIC β-lactamases (Table 1; ). With the notable exception of KPCs, the clinical isolation of these types of carbapenemases is relatively limited.

5Non-metallo-carbapenemase-A is a chromosomal carbapenemase originally isolated from Enterobacter cloacae in France. Currently, reports of this particular β-lactamase are still rare. IMI-1 was initially recovered from the chromosome of an Enterobacter cloacae isolate in the southwestern USA. A variant of IMI-1, IMI-2, has been identified on plasmids isolated from environmental strains of Enterobacter asburiae in USA rivers.

6SME-1 (S. marcescens enzyme) was originally identified in an isolate of S. marcescens from a patient in London in 1982. SME-2 and SME-3 were subsequently isolated in the USA, Canada, and Switzerland. Chromosomally encoded SME-type carbapenemases continue to be isolated at a low frequency in North America. Both SFC-1 and BIC-1 are chromosomal serine carbapenemases recovered from environmental isolates. The former from a S. fonticola isolate in Portugal and the latter from Pseudomonas fluorescens isolates recovered from the Seine River.

7The GES-type β-lactamases are acquired β-lactamases recovered from P. aeruginosa, Enterobacteriaceae, and A. baumannii. The genes encoding these β-lactamase have often, but not exclusively, been identified within class 1 integrons residing on transferable plasmids. GES-1 has a similar hydrolysis profile to other ESBLs, although they essentially spare monobactams. Several GES β-lactamases are described with six (i.e., GES-2, GES-4, GES-5, GES-6, GES-11, and GES-14), demonstrating detectable carbapenemase activity in the setting of amino acid substitutions at their active sites (specifically at residue 104 and 170;; ). These GES-type carbapenemases have been described in Europe, South Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

8Currently, most carbapenem resistance among Enterobacteriaceae in the USA and Israel is attributed to plasmid-mediated expression of a KPC-type carbapenemase. KPC-producing Enterobacteriaceae are considered endemic to Greece along with other carbapenemases, specifically VIM-type [Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs); ]. KPCs efficiently hydrolyze carbapenems as well as penicillins, cephalosporins, and aztreonam and are not overcome in vitro by clinically available β-lactamase inhibitors (i.e., clavulanic acid, sulbactam, tazobactam – in fact these are hydrolyzed). These enzymes have been identified in several genera of Enterobacteriaceae as well as Pseudomonas spp. and A. baumannii.

9Carbapenem resistance secondary to KPC production was first described in a K. pneumoniae recovered in North Carolina in 1996. To date 12 KPC subtypes (KPC-2 to KPC-13;;;;; ) have been reported with the vast majority of analyzed isolates expressing either KPC-2 or KPC-3.

10The blaKPC gene has been mapped to a highly conserved Tn3-based transposon, Tn4401 (Figure 1A), and five isoforms of Tn4401 are described. Plasmids carrying blaKPC are of various sizes and many carry additional genes conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides thus limiting the antibiotics available to treat infections with KPC-producing pathogens. blaKPC has rarely been mapped to a chromosomal location.

11A predominant strain of K. pneumoniae appears responsible for outbreaks and the international spread of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae. Congruent pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns also suggest a clonal relationship between outbreak-associated strains of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae recovered from different areas that are endemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) performed PFGE and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) on isolates submitted to their reference laboratory from 1996 to 2008. A dominant PFGE pattern was observed and noted to be of a specific MLST type, ST 258. A second sequence type, ST 14, was common in institutions in the Midwest. These findings implied that certain strains of K. pneumoniae may be more apt to obtain and retain the blaKPC gene. Another study, however, analyzing 16 KPC-2 producing K. pneumoniae isolates from different geographic regions demonstrated diverse PFGE patterns and MLST types. This included four different MLST types in Colombia (ST 14, ST 337, ST 338, and ST 339) and two in Israel (ST 227 and ST 340). Although this study analyzed a smaller number of isolates, these findings suggest that the global propagation of KPC-2 is more complicated than the successful expansion of a fixed number of clones. More recently, a study evaluating the MLST types associated with widespread KPC-2 production in K. pneumoniae in Greece suggested that although ST 258 predominates at least 10 additional sequence types were found to carry blaKPC-2. Of note three (i.e., ST 147, ST 323, and ST 383) carried both KPC-2 as well as genes encoding VIM-type MBLs. A retrospective study in Cleveland documented the presence of ST 36 in a long-term care facility for children.

12Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases-production can confer variable levels of carbapenem resistance with reported minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from susceptible to ≥ μg/mL. Analysis of isolates displaying high-level carbapenem resistance demonstrated that increased phenotypic resistance may be due to increased blaKPC gene copy number or the loss of an outer membrane porin, OmpK35 and/or OmpK36. The highest level of imipenem resistance was seen with isolates lacking both porins and with augmented KPC enzyme production.

13Class B β-lactamases (Table 2) are referred to as MBLs and require a metal ion, usually zinc, for β-lactam hydrolysis. Due to the dependence on Zn2+, catalysis is inhibited in the presence of metal-chelating agents like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). MBL expression in Gram-negative bacteria confers resistance to penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. MBLs are not inhibited by the presence of commercially available β-lactamase inhibitors and susceptibility to monobactams (e.g., aztreonam) appears to be preserved in the absence of concomitant expression of other resistance mechanisms (e.g., ESBL production). The more geographically widespread MBLs include IMP (imipenem-resistant), VIM, and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM).

14Chromosomal MBLs were the first to be identified and are the cause of carbapenem resistance observed in Bacillus cereus, Aeromonas spp., and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. However, of growing concern are the “mobile” MBLs that have been reported since the mid-1990s. Although most frequently found in carbapenem-resistant isolates of P. aeruginosa and occasionally Acinetobacter spp., there is growing isolation of these enzymes in Enterobacteriaceae.

15Prior to the description of NDM-1, frequently detected MBLs include IMP-type and VIM-type with VIM-2 being the most prevalent. These MBLs are embedded within a variety of genetic structures, most commonly integrons. When these integrons are associated with transposons or plasmids they can readily be transferred between species.

16In 1991, IMP-1, a plasmid-mediated MBL, was identified in an isolates of S. marcescens from Japan. Since then plasmid-mediated carbapenem resistance secondary to IMP-1 spread widely in Japan, Europe, Brazil, and other parts of Asia and in several species of Gram-negative bacilli including Acinetobacter spp. and Enterobacteriaceae. At the present time, 42 variants of IMP have been identified with most cases of IMP-mediated carbapenem resistance being reported from Asia and among P. aeruginosa.

17A more commonly recovered MBL is the VIM-type enzyme. VIM-1 was first described in Italy in 1997 in P. aeruginosa. VIM-2 was next discovered in southern France in P. aeruginosa cultured from a neutropenic patient in 1996. Although originally thought to be limited to non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli, VIM-type MBLs are being increasingly identified in Enterobacteriaceae as well. To date, 37 variants of VIM have been described with VIM-2 being the most common MBL recovered worldwide.

18Other more geographically restricted MBLs include SPM-1 (Sao Paulo MBL), which has been associated with hospital outbreaks in Brazil; GIM-1 (German imipenemase) isolated in carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates in Germany; SIM-1 (Seoul imipenemase) isolated from A. baumannii isolates in Korea; KHM-1 (Kyorin Health Science MBL) isolated from a C. freundii isolate in Japan; AIM-1 (Australian imipenemase) isolated from P. aeruginosa in Australia; DIM-1 (Dutch imipenemase) isolated from a clinical P. stutzeri isolate in the Netherlands; SMB-1 (S. marcescens MBL) in S. marcescens in Japan; TMB-1 (Tripoli MBL) in Achromobacter xylosoxidans in Libya, and FIM-1 (Florence imipenemase) from a clinical isolate of P. aeruginosa in Italy. With the notable exception of SPM-1, these MBLs have remained confined to their countries of origin.

19NDM-1 was first identified in 2008. Due to its rapid international dissemination and its ability to be expressed by numerous Gram-negative pathogens, NDM is poised to become the most commonly isolated and distributed carbapenemase worldwide. Initial reports frequently demonstrated an epidemiologic link to the Indian subcontinent where these MBLs are endemic. Indeed, retrospective analyses of stored isolates suggest that NDM-1 may have been circulating in the subcontinent as early as 2006. Despite initial controversy, the Balkans may be another area of endemicity for NDM-1. Sporadic recovery of NDM-1 in the Middle East suggests that this region may be an additional reservoir.

20Like KPCs, the conveniences of international travel and medical tourism have quickly propelled this relatively novel MBL into a formidable public health threat. Gram-negative bacilli harboring blaNDM have been identified worldwide with the exception of Central and South America.

21NDM-1 was first identified in Sweden in a patient of Indian descent previously hospitalized in India. The patient was colonized with a K. pneumoniae and an E. coli carrying blaNDM-1 on transferable plasmids. In the UK, an increase in the number of clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae was seen in both 2008 and 2009. A UK reference laboratory reported that at least 17 of 29 patients found to be harboring NDM-1 expressing Enterobacteriaceae had a history of recent travel to the Indian subcontinent with the majority having been hospitalized in those countries.

22European reports suggest that horizontal transfer of blaNDM-1 exists within hospitals outside endemic areas. Of overwhelming concern are the reported cases without specific contact with the healthcare system locally or in endemic areas suggesting autochthonous acquisition.

23Surveillance of public water supplies in India indicates that exposure to NDM-1 may be environmental. analyzed samples of public tap water and seepage water from sites around New Delhi. The results were disheartening in that blaNDM-1 was detected by PCR in 4% of drinking water samples and 30% of seepage samples. In this survey, carriage of blaNDM-1 was noted in 11 species of bacteria not previously described, including virulent ones like Shigella boydii and Vibrio cholerae.

24The rapid spread of NDM-1 highlights the fluidity and rapidity of gene transfer between bacterial species. Although blaNDM-1 was initially and repeatedly mapped to plasmids isolated from carbapenem-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae, reports of both plasmid and chromosomal expression of blaNDM-1 has been noted in other species of Enterobacteriaceae as well as Acinetobacter spp. and P. aeruginosa. Recently, bacteremia with a NDM-1 expressing V. cholerae has been described in a patient previously hospitalized in India colonized with a variety of Enterobacteriaceae previously known to be capable of carrying plasmids with blaNDM-1.

25In contrast to KPCs, the presence of a dominant clone among blaNDM-1 carrying isolates remains elusive. NDM-1 expression in E. coli has been noted among sequence types previously associated with the successful dissemination of other β-lactamases including ST 101 and ST 131. analyzed a relatively large group of blaNDM-1 expressing E. coli from the UK, Pakistan, and India in order to potentially identify a predominant strain responsible for the rapid and successful spread of NDM-1. The most frequent sequence type identified was ST 101. Another study examining a collection of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from India demonstrates the diversity of strains capable of harboring blaNDM-1. Carriage of blaNDM-1 was confirmed in 10 different sequence types of K. pneumoniae and 5 sequence types of E. coli. This multiplicity was confirmed in a study looking at a collection of blaNDM-1 expressing Enterobacteriaceae from around the world. Of most concern is that NDM-1 has been identified in E. coli ST 131, the strain of E. coli credited with the global propagation of CTX-M-15 ESBLs. Similar to KPCs, NDM-1 expression portends variable levels of carbapenem resistance and there is often concomitant carriage of a myriad of resistance determinants including other β-lactamases and carbapenemases as well as genes associated with resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides.

26NDM-1 shares the most homology with VIM-1 and VIM-2. It is a 28-kDa monomeric protein that demonstrates tight binding to both penicillins and cephalosporins. Binding to carbapenems does not appear to be as strong as other MBLs, but hydrolysis rates appear to be similar. Using ampicillin as a substrate, allowed for detailed characterization of the interactions between NDM's active site and β-lactams as well as improved evaluation of MBLs unique mechanism of β-lactam hydrolysis. More recent crystal structures of NDM-1 reveal the molecular details of how carbapenem antibiotics are recognized by dizinc-containing MBLs.

27To date, NDM-1 remains the most common NDM variant isolated. Seven variants (NDM-1 to NDM-7) exist. It is currently held that blaNDM-1 is a chimeric gene that may have evolved from A. baumannii. Contributing to this theory is the presence of complete or variations of the insertion sequence, ISAba125, upstream to the blaNDM-1 gene in both Enterobacteriaceae and A. baumannii. This insertion sequence has primarily been found in A. baumannii.

28A recent evaluation of the genetic construct associated with blaNDM-1 (Figure 1B) has lead to the discovery of a new bleomycin resistance protein, BRPMBL. Evaluation of 23 isolates of blaNDM-1/2 harboring Enterobacteriaceae and A. baumannii noted that the overwhelming majority of them possessed a novel bleomycin resistance gene, bleMBL. Co-expression of blaNDM-1 and bleMBL appear to be mediated by a common promoter (PNDM-1) which includes portions of ISAba125. It is postulated that BRPMBL expression may contribute some sort of selective advantage allowing NDM-1 to persist in the environment.

29A contemporary evaluation of recently recovered NDM-1 producing A. baumannii isolates from Europe demonstrates that blaNDM-1 and blaNDM-2 genes are situated on the same chromosomally located transposon, Tn125. Dissemination of blaNDM in A. baumannii seems be due to different strains carrying Tn125 or derivatives of Tn125 rather than plasmid-mediated or clonal.

30Oxacillinases comprise a heterogeneous group of class D β-lactamases which are able to hydrolyze amino- and carboxypenicillins. The majority of class D β-lactamases are not inhibited by commercially available β-lactamase inhibitors but are inhibited in vitro by NaCl. Over 250 types of oxacillinases are reported with a minority demonstrating low levels of carbapenem-hydrolyzing activity. This select group of enzymes is also referred to as the carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamases (CHDLs; Table 3). CHDLs have been identified most frequently in Acinetobacter spp., however, there has been increasing isolation among Enterobacteriaceae, specifically OXA-48 (oxacillinase-48;; ).

31With the exception of OXA-163, CHDLs efficiently inactivate penicillins, first generations cephalosporins, and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, but spare extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Carbapenem hydrolysis efficiency is lower than that of other carbapenemases, including the MBLs, and often additional resistance mechanisms are expressed in organisms demonstrating higher levels of phenotypic carbapenem resistance. These include expression of other carbapenemases, alterations in outer membrane proteins (e.g., CarO, OmpK36;;; ), increased transcription mediated by IS elements functioning as promoters, increased gene copy number, and amplified drug efflux. Many subgroups of CHDLs have been described. We will focus on those found in A. baumannii and Enterobacteriaceae: OXA-23 and OXA-27; OXA-24/40, OXA-25, and OXA-26; OXA-48 variants; OXA-51, OXA-66, OXA-69; OXA-58, and OXA-143.

32CHDLs can be intrinsic or acquired. A. baumannii does have naturally occurring but variably expressed chromosomal CHDLs, OXA-51, OXA-66, and OXA-69. For the most part, in isolation the phenotypic carbapenem resistance associated with these oxacillinases is low. However, levels of carbapenem resistance appear to be increased in the presence of specific insertion sequences promoting gene expression. Additional resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins can be seen in the setting of co-expression of ESBLs and/or other carbapenemases.

33The first reported “acquired” oxacillinase with appreciable carbapenem-hydrolyzing activity was OXA-23. OXA-23, or ARI-1, was identified from an A. baumannii isolate in Scotland in 1993 (the isolate was first recovered in 1985; ). Subsequently, OXA-23 expression has been reported worldwide and both plasmid and chromosomal carriage of blaOXA-23 are described. The OXA-23 group includes OXA-27, found in a single A. baumannii isolate from Singapore. With the exception of an isolate of Proteus mirabilis identified in France in 2002, this group of β-lactamases has been exclusively recovered from Acinetobacter species. Increased expression of OXA-23 has been associated with the presence of upstream insertion sequences (e.g., ISAba1 and ISAba4) acting as strong promoters.

34Another group of CHDLs include OXA-24/40, OXA-25, and OXA-26. OXA-24 and OXA-40 differ by a few amino acid substitutions and OXA-25 and OXA-26 are point mutation derivatives of OXA-40. Although primarily linked with clonal outbreaks in Spain and Portugal, OXA-24/40 β-lactamases has been isolated in other European countries and the USA. OXA-40 was in fact the first CHDL documented in the USA.

35OXA-58 has also only been detected in Acinetobacter spp. initially identified in France, OXA-58 has been associated with institutional outbreaks and has been recovered from clinical isolates of A. baumannii worldwide.

36As civilian and military personnel began returning from Afghanistan and the Middle East, practitioners noted increasing recovery of A. baumannii from skin and soft tissue infections. Drug resistance was associated with expression of both OXA-23 and OXA-58. Many isolates carrying the blaOXA-58 gene concurrently carry insertion sequences (e.g., ISaba1, ISAba2, or ISAba3) associated with increased carbapenemase production and thus higher levels of carbapenem resistance. In one report increased gene copy number was also associated with a higher level of enzyme production and increased phenotypic carbapenem resistance.

37Spread of OXA-type carbapenemases among A. baumannii appears to be clonal and in depth reviews of the molecular epidemiology and successful dissemination of these clones have been published. Two MLST schemes with three loci in common exist for A. baumannii – the PubMLST scheme and the Pasteur scheme. Both schemes assign different sequence types into clonal complexes (CC). Sequence types and CC from both schemes can be further categorized into the international (European) clones I, II, and III. It should be noted, however, that the molecular taxonomy of A. baumannii continues to evolve. OXA-23 producing A. baumannii predominantly belong to international clones I and II with a notable proportion being part of CC92 (PubMLST;; ). Similarly, A. baumannii isolates associated with epidemic spread of OXA-24/40 in Portugal and Spain appear are incorporated in international clone II and ST 56 (PubMLST; ). OXA-58 expressing A. baumannii have been associated with international clones I, II, and II and a variety of unrelated sequence types.

38OXA-48 was originally identified in a carbapenem-resistant isolate of K. pneumoniae in Turkey. Early reports suggested that this enzyme was geographically restricted to Turkey. In the past few years, however, the enzyme has been recovered from variety of Enterobacteriaceae and has successfully circulated outside of Turkey with reports of isolation in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and most recently the USA. The Middle East and North Africa may be secondary reservoirs for these CHDLs. Indeed, the introduction of OXA-48 expressing Enterobacteriaceae in some countries has been from patients from the Middle East or Northern Africa. In the USA, the first clinical cases were associated with ST 199 and ST 43.

39At least six OXA-48 variants (e.g., OXA-48, OXA-162, OXA-163, OXA-181, OXA-204, and OXA-232) have been identified. OXA-48 is by far the most globally dispersed and its epidemiology has been recently reviewed. Unlike KPCs and NDM-1 which have been associated with a variety of plasmids, a single 62 kb self-conjugative IncL/M-type plasmid has contributed to a large proportion of the distribution of blaOXA-48 in Europe. Sequencing of this plasmid (pOXA-48a) notes that blaOXA-48 had been integrated through the acquisition of a Tn1999 composite transposon (Figure 1C; ) blaOXA-48 appears to be associated with a specific insertion sequence, IS1999. A variant of Tn1999, Tn1999.2, has been identified among isolates from Turkey and in Europe. Tn1999.2 harbors an IS1R element within the IS1999. OXA-48 appears to have the highest affinity for imipenem of the CHDLs specifically those harboring blaOXA-48 within a Tn1999.2 composite transposon. Three isoforms of the Tn1999 transposon have been described.

40Although much of the spread of OXA-48 is attributed to a specific plasmid, outbreak evaluations demonstrate that a variety of strains have contributed to dissemination of this emerging carbapenemase in K. pneumoniae. The same K. pneumoniae sequence type, ST 395, harboring blaOXA-48 was identified in Morocco, France, and the Netherlands. ST 353 was associated with an outbreak of OXA-48 producing K. pneumoniae in London and ST 221 with an outbreak of OXA-48 in Ireland. OXA-48 production in K. pneumoniae, like KPC-expressing K. pneumoniae, has also been associated with ST 14 and a recent outbreak in Greece was associated with ST 11.

41blaOXA-48 is remarkably similar to blaOXA-54, a β-lactamase gene intrinsic to Shewanella oneidensis. Shewanella spp. are relatively ubiquitous waterborne Gram-negative bacilli and are proving to be a potential environmental reservoir for OXA-48 like carbapenemases as well as other resistance determinants.

42OXA-163, a single amino acid variant of OXA-48, was identified in isolates of K. pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae from Argentina and is unique in that it has activity against extended-spectrum cephalosporins. OXA-163 also has been identified in Egypt, which has a relatively prevalence of OXA-48, in patients without epidemiologic links to Argentina.

43OXA-181 was initially identified among carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae collected from India. OXA-181 differs from OXA-48 by four amino acids, however, appears to be nestled in an entirely different genetic platform. The blaOXA-181 gene has been mapped to a different group of plasmids, the ColE family, and has been associated with an alternative insertion sequence, ISEcp1. The latter insertion sequence has been associated with the acquisition of other β-lactamases including CTX-M-like ESBLs. Like, OXA-48, it appears that OXA-181 may have evolved from a waterborne environmental species Shewanella xiamenensis.

44OXA-204 differs from OXA-48 by a two amino acid substitution. It was recently identified in a clinical K. pneumoniae isolate from Tunisia. Its genetic construct appears to be similar to that of OXA-181. OXA-232 was recently identified among K. pneumoniae isolates in France.

45OXA-143 is a novel plasmid-borne carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinase recovered from clinical A. baumannii isolates in Brazil. Information regarding its significance and prevalence continues to evolve.

46Few antimicrobials are currently available to treat infections with carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria. Carriage of concurrent resistance determinants can result in decreased susceptibility non-β-lactams including the fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides thus further compromising an already limited antimicrobial arsenal. What frequently remains available are the polymyxins (including colistin), tigecycline, and fosfomycin but susceptibilities to these agents are unpredictable.

47The reintroduction of polymyxins, both polymyxin B and colistin overlaps with the evolution of carbapenem resistance among Gram-negative bacilli. The clinical “resurgence” of these agents is well documented. Some experts advocate for the use of polymyxins in combination with other agents like rifampicin. In vitro evaluations of different combinations including carbapenems, rifamycins, and/or tigecycline demonstrate variable results. Most evaluations of the clinical outcomes or “effectiveness” of combination therapies have been retrospective. Prospective clinical trials evaluating the superiority of colistin-based combination therapy over monotherapy are in their infancy. A real interest in combination therapy persists due to the concern of hetero-resistance.

48Early evaluations of the glycylcycline, tigecycline, demonstrated favorable in vitro activity against ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and specific isolates of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii and Enterobacteriaceae. Tigecycline remains untested in prospective trials and reports of resistance are increasing. The role of tigecycline in treating primary bloodstream infections or urinary tract infections remains undefined due less than therapeutic concentrations of drug achieved in the serum and urine. We also note that meta-analyses of pooled data from trials evaluating the use of tigecycline for a variety of indications suggest there is a excess mortality associated with the use of tigecycline over comparator regimens. However, in the absence of other tested regimens tigecycline may be an appropriate or perhaps the only therapeutic option.

49Growing resistance to both the polymyxins and tigecycline has resulted the revisiting of older drugs including chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin, and temocillin. Fosfomycin is also one of these earlier antibiotics being reassessed. In an in vitro evaluation of 68 KPC-expressing K. pneumoniae isolates, fosfomycin demonstrated in vitro activity against 87% of tigecycline and/or polymyxin non-susceptible isolates and 83% of isolates that were resistant to both. Fosfomycin may be a potential therapeutic option for patients infected with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae if the infection is localized to the genitourinary tract. Unfortunately, fosfomycin does not demonstrate reliable activity against non-urinary pathogens. Fosfomycin demonstrated activity against only 30.2% of 1693 multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa isolates and 3.5% of 85 MDR A. baumannii isolates. The individual studies included in this review did not employ uniform MDR definitions or consistent susceptibility breakpoints. Moreover, access to the parenteral fosfomycin is limited and the threshold for resistance is low. Concerns regarding the emergence of resistance have lead to an increasing interest in the utility of combination therapy.

50Few agents are in the advanced stages of development with demonstrable in vitro activity against carbapenemase-producing organisms. These include β-lactamase inhibitors, aminoglycoside derivatives, polymyxin derivatives, and novel monobactams and monobactams-β-lactamase inhibitor combinations.

51Avibactam, or NXL104, is a β-lactamase inhibitor which has been tested in combination with ceftazidime, ceftaroline, and aztreonam against several carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae with impressive decreases in MICs. Cephalosporin–avibactam combinations do not inhibit MBLs. Avibactam in combination with aztreonam, however, does seem to demonstrate activity against isolates harboring a variety of carbapenem resistance mechanisms including MBLs. Regrettably, the avibactam and aztreonam combination is not currently in clinical trials. The combination of ceftazidime–avibactam has been evaluated against collections of non-fermenting Gram-negative pathogens and its role remains undefined. In some evaluations of ceftazidime non-susceptible isolates of P. aeruginosa decrease MICs were noted with the addition of avibactam. The combinations of ceftaroline–avibactam and ceftazidime–avibactam are currently in clinical trials.

52Methylidene penems (penem-1 and penem-2) are β-lactamase inhibitors and appear to be potent inhibitors of KPC-2. The combination of cefepime with penem-1 demonstrated lower cefepime MICs in 88.1% of the 42 KPC-producing K. pneumoniae isolates evaluated. MK-7655 is a novel β-lactamase being evaluated in combination with imipenem against carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli.

53ME1071, formerly CP3242, is a maleic acid derivative that competitively inhibits MBLs. Earlier studies demonstrated concentration-dependent decreases in carbapenem MICs in MBL-producing P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, and select Enterobacteriaceae A contemporary pre-clinical evaluation of ME1071 in combination with various type 2 carbapenems (i.e., biapenem, doripenem, meropenem, imipenem) confirms remarkable decreases in the carbapenem MICs for Enterobacteriaceae and A. baumannii harboring IMP, VIM, and NDM-type MBLs. Irrespective of the candidate carbapenem, ME1071 activity against NDM MBLs was less than that of VIM-type and IMP-type MBLs. Of note, biapenem was the carbapenem with the lowest baseline MICs to the MBLs, but it is commercially unavailable in many countries including the USA. Other MBL-specific inhibitors are in pre-clinical development.

54Plazomicin (ACHN-490) is an aminoglycoside derivative with potent activity against some carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli. Studies have noted that susceptibilities to aminoglycosides vary among KPC-producing K. pneumoniae. In one evaluation, 48% of 25 tested isolates were susceptible to amikacin, 44% to gentamicin, and 8% to tobramycin. Plazomicin demonstrated an MIC90 significantly lower than that of amikacin. In vitro studies also indicate that depending on the aminoglycoside resistance mechanisms present, Plazomicin may have activity against select isolates of P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii. Susceptibility to plazomicin in the setting of resistance to other aminoglycosides appears to be dependent on the mechanism of aminoglycoside resistance.

55NAB739 and NAB7061 are polymyxin derivatives that may be less nephrotoxic than commercially available polymyxins. In a small in vitro study, NAB739 displayed activity against nine carbapenemase-producing polymyxin-susceptible isolates of Enterobacteriaceae. A contemporary evaluation of NAB739 demonstrated higher MICs compared to those of polymyxin B in a collection of polymyxin-susceptible and non-susceptible Enterobacteriaceae, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii. NAB7061 when used in combination with rifampicin or clarithromycin demonstrated synergistic activity against seven strains of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli including one polymyxin-resistant strain. It remains unclear what role these agents will play in the setting the increasing burden of infections with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

56The activity of the siderophore monosulfactam, BAL30072, has been against non-fermenting carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli. In one study, susceptibility to BAL30072 was noted in 73% of 200 isolates of carbapenemase-producing A. baumannii, the majority of which were of the same OXA-23 producing clone. In that same study, smaller percentages of susceptibility were noted in a selection of carbapenem-resistant Burkholderia cepacia and P. aeruginosa isolates. Recent evaluations of BAL30072 confirm that there may be a role for this agent in the treatment of resistant A. baumannii infections. BAL 30376 is a combination of a siderophore monobactam with clavulanic acid. In two studies, this combination demonstrated reasonable in vitro activity against CHDL, including OXA-48, and MBLs but not KPCs.

57In the last 5 years, we have witnessed the global spread of carbapenem resistance among Gram-negative organisms. The notion that multidrug resistance among these pathogens is limited to isolated outbreaks among the critically ill has met the ultimate challenge with NDM-1. The conveniences of travel and medical tourism have introduced resistance mechanisms across states, countries, and even continents at an alarming rate. Rates of resistance in some countries may be underestimated due to the lack of organized reporting structures and limited resources. Long-term healthcare facilities are now recognized reservoirs for the continued propagation of MDR organisms.

58Until the introduction of accurate, affordable, and readily accessible diagnostics and reliably effective antimicrobials a major focus remains containment and eradication of these organisms within the healthcare environment. Many cite a “bundle” type approach that includes administrative support, active surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and augmented infection control practices. Just as with drug development, the future savings of investing in prevention is not as tangible as the immediate capital investment required to allot appropriate resources including advanced laboratory platforms, experienced laboratory personnel, dedicated nursing staff, and infection control personnel. Expanding these efforts to non-acute healthcare settings is recommended to begin to stem the evolving pandemic of carbapenem resistance.

59The prudent use of antibiotics is essential in combating the continuing evolution of resistance. This may be even more crucial in areas where non-prescription antimicrobial use is common and continues to be unregulated. In an age where multidrug resistance is so widespread, even the appropriate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics has contributed to our current state.

60Research funding and support for the description of resistance mechanisms, validation of current infection control practices, and antimicrobial development must be prioritized. Institutions supporting infection control, state of the art microbiology laboratories, and antimicrobial stewardship programs should receive recognition and incentives for their foresight. Despite these continuing challenges, considerable progress has been made to identify at-risk populations and to describe resistance determinants. Collaborative efforts have led to a better understanding and awareness of the epidemiology and the contribution of antimicrobial use and the environment to the propagation of antimicrobial resistance. These joint efforts have proven crucial for the propagation of information about carbapenemases. Continuing to encourage these partnerships is imperative in the ongoing struggle against antimicrobial resistance and to prevent antimicrobials from essentially becoming obsolete.

61The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.