Carbapenemases in Enterobacteriaceae: The magnitude of a worldwide concern

摘要

Although carbapenemases in Enterobacteriaceae were relatively rare a decade ago, their emergence and rapid spread is now an alarming worldwide problem, for both the scientific and public health communities [I]. In the present theme issue, we provide an overview of the different factors that probably explain the spread and success of the main carbapenemase producers, and the current knowledge on epidemiology, genetics, diagnostics, prevention and surveillance, and treatment. In the first review of this issue, the classification, phylogenetic aspects and different genetic platforms associated with carbapenemases in Gram-negative bacteria are reviewed [2]. Carbapenemases are mainly found in Amber classes A, B, and D, with KPC, NDM and OXA-48 being the most frequently encountered in Enterobacteriaceae, respectively [2]. Interestingly, this study shows very large diversity and long-lasting phylogenetic evolution, with notable variation in the mean GC content and percentages of identity for the different carbapenemase-encod-ing genes. Moreover, these genes can be found chromosomally or on mobile genetic elements such as transposons, integrons, and plasmids, the latter being widely associated with the worldwide spread in Enterobacteriaceae.