Press Release

Case of NDM-1 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae under CHP investigation

13 June 2014

The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed today (June 13) a case of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

The male patient aged 80, with underlying illnesses, lives in Shantou and was hospitalised on May 30 for shortness of breath. He was subsequently transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital on June 3 for further management. He is now in a stable condition.

His stool specimen grew NDM-1 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae upon laboratory testing by the PHLSB.

His close contacts in Hong Kong remain asymptomatic. Investigations by the CHP are ongoing.

"NDM is an enzyme which can inactivate 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.