The epidemiology of carbapenemases in Latin America and the Caribbean

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., and Acinetobacter spp. infections are major causes of morbidity and mortality, especially due to the emergence and spread of β-lactamases. Carbapenemases, which are β-lactamases with the capacity to hydrolyze or inactivate carbapenems, have become a serious concern as they have the largest hydrolytic spectrum and therefore limit the utility of most β-lactam antibiotics.

Areas covered: Here, we present an update of the current status of carbapenemases in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Expert commentary: The increased frequency of reports on carbapenemases in Latin America and the Caribbean shows that they have successfully spread and have even become endemic in some countries. Countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico account for the majority of these reports. Early suspicion and detection along with implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs in all healthcare settings are crucial for the control and prevention of carbapenemase-producing bacteria.

KEYWORDS:

• Carbapenemases
• β-lactamases
• carbapenems
• Enterobacteriaceae
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Acinetobacter baumannii
• antimicrobial resistance
• Latin America

Declaration of interest

MV Villegas has received research grants and/or consultant fees from Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Merck Colombia, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.