Carbapenemase Genotypes in Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) from Clinical Isolates in Southern Vietnam (2023): A Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis

Purpose The increase in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) strains has shown significant variations over time and in geographical regions. The types of Carbapenemase-producing genes in CRE in Southern Vietnam have not yet been completely known; therefore, this study provides knowledge of the epidemiology of CRE in Southern Vietnam and compares the findings with global CRE strains. Methods This study utilizes whole-genome sequencing to analyze 195 CRE strains from patients at Cho Ray Hospital, a major healthcare center in Southern Vietnam. Results Key findings include: (i) 96% of CRE isolates were predicted to be carbapenemase production, with K. pneumoniae as the most prevalent species; (ii) The bla _OXA−48 family was the most common carbapenemase-producing gene (25%), bla _OXA−181 being a particularly prevalent variant, and CRE isolates carrying both bla _NDM and bla _OXA−48 family genes represent the most frequent genotype (30%); (iii) In K. pneumoniae , the predominant sequence typing (ST) were ST16, ST5815, ST147, ST11, and ST656, while in E. coli , ST410 was the most frequently isolated ST Conclusion The high percentage of CRE harboring carbapenemase-producing genes, located on conjugative plasmids and transmitted among species, poses a threat to healthcare systems in Vietnam. Implementing reasonable policies adapted to the local epidemiology plays a crucial role in controlling and treating infectious diseases.