Update on the epidemiology of carbapenemases in Latin America and the Caribbean. Issue 2 (1st February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: García-Betancur, Juan Carlos; Appel, Tobias Manuel; Esparza, German; Gales, Ana C; Levy-Hara, Gabriel; Cornistein, Wanda; Vega, Silvio; Nuñez, Duilio; Cuellar, Luis; Bavestrello, Luis; Castañeda-Méndez, Paulo F.; Villalobos-Vindas, Juan M.; Villegas, María Virginia
• Is Part Of: Expert review of anti-infective therapy. Volume 19:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 197
• Page End: 213
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01
• Subjects: Acinetobacter baumannii -- carbapenemases -- carbapenems -- carbapenem resistance -- carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) -- Klebsiella pneumoniae -- Latin America -- Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Anti-infective agents -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.90461
• DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1813023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-7210

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Carbapenemases are β-lactamases able to hydrolyze a wide range of β-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems. Carbapenemase production in Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter spp., with and without the co-expression of other β-lactamases is a serious public health threat. Carbapenemases belong to three main classes according to the Ambler classification: class A, class B, and class D. Areas covered: Carbapenemase-bearing pathogens are endemic in Latin America. In this review, we update the status of carbapenemases in Latin America and the Caribbean. Expert opinion: Understanding the current epidemiology of carbapenemases in Latin America and the Caribbean is of critical importance to improve infection control policies limiting the dissemination of multi-drug-resistant pathogens and in implementing appropriate antimicrobial therapy.