Source vs."Sink"; Examination of Carbapenin Producing Enterobacterales in Hospital Plumbing

Amy Mathers Carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales are recognized as one of the most urgent groups of antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Most carbapenemase genes are carried on mobile genetic elements which can be exchanged between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. Recent recognition of the wastewater premise plumbing’s involvement in carbapenemase producing organisms has highlighted some of the challenges posed to infection control management including the refactor nature of several interventions. Using recent clinical experiences coupled with next generation sequencing, we will examine how plumbing may act as a source of transmission, a reservoir for persistence and a location for gene exchange for some of the most resistant Gram negative bacteria seen in modern hospitals.

BC CDC Presenters

10/22/2019 5:15:00 PM