Press Release

CHP investigates case of NDM-5 Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae

21 November 2014

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

The male patient, aged 56 with underlying illnesses, was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on November 11 and discharged on November 17. He was in a stable condition.

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

Initial enquiries revealed that the patient mostly lived and worked in Zhejiang and was admitted to a local hospital from October 13 to November 2. His home contacts in Kong Kong have remained asymptomatic.

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 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.