Distinct Mechanisms of Dissemination of NDM-1 Metallo-β-Lactamase in <i>Acinetobacter</i> Species in Argentina

Abstract

A 4-year surveillance of carbapenem-resistant <i>Acinetobacter</i> spp. isolates in Argentina identified 40 strains carrying <i>bla</i>_NDM-1 Genome sequencing revealed that most were <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>, whereas seven represented other <i>Acinetobacter</i> spp. The <i>A. baumannii</i> genomes were closely related, suggesting recent spread. <i>bla</i>_NDM-1 was located in the chromosome of <i>A. baumannii</i> strains and on a plasmid in non-<i>A. baumannii</i> strains. A resistance gene island carrying <i>bla</i>_PER-7 and other resistance determinants was found on a plasmid in some <i>A. baumannii</i> strains.