Press Release

CHP investigates case of NDM-1 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae

26 September 2014

The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed today (September 26) a case of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a 69-year-old man.

The patient, with underlying illnesses, lived alone in Shenzhen. He was admitted to a hospital in Shenzhen from September 7 to 15 for other illness and was transferred to North District Hospital on September 15 for further management. He passed away on September 18.

His rectal swab grew NDM-1 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae upon laboratory testing by the PHLSB. The case has been classified as colonisation.

"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.