Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa producing metallo-beta-lactamase VIM-2 in a central hospital from Portugal.

摘要

Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains one of the most important pathogens in the nosocomial setting [1]. P. aeruginosa exhibits intrinsic resistance to several antimicrobial agents. The antipseudomonal beta-lactams represent a major weapon against Pseudomonas infections, either for monotherapy or for combination therapy, for which beta-lactams almost invariably represent one of the components. Therefore, resistance to these agents constitutes a major challenge for anti-Pseudomonas chemotherapy. Several mechanisms can contribute to beta-lactam resistance in P. aeruginosa, including beta-lactamase production, outer membrane impermeability and active efflux mediated by RND-type efflux systems [1].