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Press Release

Case of NDM-5 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae under CHP investigation

21 July 2014

The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed today (July 21) a case of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-5 (NDM-5) Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

The patient is a 30-year-old woman with good past health. She presented with fever, headache, painful urination and blood in urine since July 10. She sought medical consultation from the Outpatient Department of a private hospital on July 11 and 15 and hospitalisation was not required. Her condition has been stable all along.

Her urine sample grew NDM-5 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae upon laboratory testing by the PHLSB.

The patient's travel history is under investigation. Her home contacts have remained asymptomatic. Investigations by the CHP are ongoing.

"NDM is an enzyme which can deactivate carbapenems and other beta-lactams such as penicillins. Bacteria harbouring this NDM gene are commonly resistant to multiple antimicrobials, limiting therapeutic options and rendering severe clinical infections difficult to treat. Most bacteria with the NDM enzyme remain susceptible to two types of antibiotics, colistin and tigecycline," a spokesman for the CHP explained.

Infections have varied from being asymptomatic to potentially life-threatening or fatal. The level of risk depends on which part of the body is affected by the infection and the general health of the patient.

The spokesman said that proper use of antibiotics and personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are important for the prevention of emergence and cross-transmission of NDM strains.

21 Jul 2014