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Press Release

CHP investigates case of NDM-5 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae

29 August 2014

The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed today (August 29) a case of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-5 (NDM-5) Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

The patient is an 18-year-old man with good past health. He has presented with fever, abdominal pain and diarrhoea since August 15. He sought medical consultation from a private doctor on August 18 and was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on August 20. He was discharged on August 22.

His rectal swab grew NDM-5 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae upon laboratory testing by the PHLSB.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had attended a hospital in the Mainland without admission in June. His close contacts have remained asymptomatic. Investigations by the CHP are proceeding.

"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 said.

Infections have varied from being asymptomatic to being 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.

29 Aug 2014