Dual Transmission Dynamics of Carbapenem Resistance in Pediatric Oncology: Plasmid-Mediated and Clonal Spread of blaNDM-5 Enterobacterales.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) pose a major threat to immunocompromised pediatric oncology patients. However, the routes of resistance spread in this vulnerable population remain poorly understood, despite their importance for guiding infection control.

Methods

We analyzed 189 CRE bloodstream isolates (106 Escherichia coli, 72 Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 11 other Enterobacterales) collected at the Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 (August 2021-October 2022). Whole genome sequencing was used to assess sequence types, resistance genes, virulence factors, plasmid content, and transmission dynamics.

Results

Carbapenem resistance was primarily mediated by blaNDM-5, carried on species-specific plasmids: IncFIA/IncFII in E. coli and IncFIB/IncHI

SUBMITTER: Jalal D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12783475 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature