Press Release

Two cases of NDM Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae under CHP investigation

31 October 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 31) investigating a case of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) and a case of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-5 (NDM-5) Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

The first patient is a 52-year-old woman who was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for a wound infection on October 24.

Initial enquiries revealed that she had travelled alone to Guangzhou and was admitted to a hospital for an operation from September 10 to October 23. Her home contacts have remained asymptomatic.

The other patient is a 74-year-old man who was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital for shortness of breath on October 23.

It was established that the patient travelled to Huizhou from September 6 to October 20 and was hospitalised from September 29 to October 11. His travel collateral has remained asymptomatic so far.

Both patients, with underlying illnesses, have been in a stable condition.

The rectal swab of the female patient grew NDM-1 while that of the male patient grew NDM-5 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

The CHP's investigations 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 explained.

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.