Woman treated for NDM-1

January 18, 2013

The Centre for Health Protection today confirmed a case of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a 26-year-old woman.
 
The patient was hospitalised for injuries sustained in a traffic accident during her stay in Cambodia from October to December, and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on January 10. She is stable.
 
This is the 19th detected case of NDM Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Hong Kong.
 
NDM is an enzyme which can inactivate carbapenems and other beta-lactams such as penicillins. Most bacteria with the NDM enzyme remain susceptible to two types of antibiotics, colistin and tigecycline.
 
The centre said the proper use of antibiotics and personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are important for preventing the emergence and cross-transmission of NDM strains.