Roles of Whole Genome Sequencing in Determining Transmission, Risk Factors Associated with Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms at a Vietnam HealthCare Center of Orphaned Children, Vietnam

Antimicrobial resistance is a most concerning public health issue in Vietnam due to antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including Carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs), which might appear in remote areas in Vietnam. So, at this center, we performed a cross-sectional study and collected fecal samples from human subjects (20 healthcare workers (HCWs) and 67 residents) and 175 environmental samples, with rectal and environment swabs, as study data for this study, from September 2022 to December 2022. We conducted the microbiological testing, including the MELAB-Chromogenic-CARBA-agar plates, blood-agar plates, and BD PhoenixTM Automated Microbiology System to screen, isolate, and identify bacterial species and phenotypic tests for antimicrobial susceptibility of carbapenem-resistant bacteria, and the whole genome sequencing for 12 CROs chosen to confirm the CRO transmission between HCWs and residents. The study findings showed the prevalence and risk factors associated with CRO colonization were detected in HCWs, residents, and the environment in the Center of Care and Protection of Orphan Children. CRO transmission happened between HCWs and residents detected with WGS analysis. So, whole genome sequencing (WGS) plays a significant role in CRO control and prevention and reduces CRO transmission/ colonization in this center and other healthcare settings.