What is New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-1)?

NDM-1 is a newly discovered enzyme that makes bacteria particularly resistant to many antibiotics.  Thus far, three cases were identified by the CDC antimicrobial (antibacterial) labs in the US and several more in the UK.  In all three US cases and many of the UK cases, the bacteria have been linked to patients receiving medical care in India and Pakistan.

The first case of NDM-1 was discovered in New Delhi, India (in 2009), thus the name New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase or NDM-1.  The typical antibiotics used to treat such beta-lactamase bacteria are called carbapenems, however, NDM-1 bacteria are resistant to such antibiotics.

While many in the news are calling NDM-1 a “superbug” given its resistance to carbapenems, its incidence is still quite rare.  Only one reported death has been attributed to NDM-1 with many of the cases coming from patients hospitalized overseas, particularly in India and Pakistan.

In March, 2009 the CDC published its “Guidance for Control of Infections with Carbapenem-Resistant or Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Acute Care Facilities” to help prevent transmission.

What you need to know:

• It is linked to people who have had surgeries in India and Pakistan mostly.
• There have been some cases in the U.K. as a result of people who had surgeries in India or Pakistan and were subsequently hospitalized in the U.K.
• It can be any bug, so in other words, there are no specific symptoms to look out for. It can be a GI bug, or a skin bug, or a respiratory bug.
• This particular enzyme is still rare among bacteria in the U.S.
• Prevention: the usual, most effective way: GOOD HYGIENE!!!!!