Molecular Characterization by Using Next-Generation Sequencing of Plasmids Containing bla NDM-7 in Enterobacteriaceae from Calgary, Canada

Abstract

ABSTRACT Enterobacteriaceae with bla NDM-7 are relatively uncommon and had previously been described in Europe, India, the United States, and Japan. This study describes the characteristics of Enterobacteriaceae ( Klebsiella pneumoniae [ n = 2], Escherichia coli [ n = 2], Serratia marcescens [ n = 1], and Enterobacter hormaechei [ n = 1] isolates) with bla NDM-7 obtained from 4 patients from Calgary, Canada, from 2013 to 2014. The 46,161-bp IncX3 plasmids with bla NDM-7 are highly similar to other bla NDM -harboring IncX3 plasmids and, interestingly, showed identical structures within the different isolates. This finding may indicate horizontal transmission within our health region, or it may indicate contact with individuals from areas of endemicity within the hospital setting. Patients infected or colonized with bacteria containing bla NDM-7 IncX3 plasmids generate infection control challenges. Epidemiological and molecular studies are required to better understand the dynamics of transmission, the risk factors, and the reservoirs for bacteria harboring bla NDM-7 . To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. marcescens and E. hormaechei with bla NDM-7 .