Emergence of Metallo-β-Lactamase NDM-1-Producing Multidrug-Resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i> in Australia

Abstract

A multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolate recovered in Australia produced a carbapenem-hydrolyzing β-lactamase. Molecular investigations revealed the first identification of the bla(NDM-1) metallo-β-lactamase gene in that country. In addition, this E. coli isolate expressed the extended-spectrum β-lactamase CTX-M-15, together with two 16S rRNA methylases, namely, ArmA and RmtB, conferring a high level of resistance to aminoglycosides.