Multidrug-Resistant Bacteroides fragilis - Seattle, Washington, 2013

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Aley Kalapila, Emory University; Steven Pergam, University of Washington; Paul Pottinger, University of Washington; Susan Butler-Wu, University of Washington; Estella Whimbey, University of Washington; Jeffrey Duchin, University of Washington
• Language: English
• Date: 2013-08-30
• Publisher: CENTER DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: All material in the MMWR Series is in the public domain and may be used and reprinted without permission; citation as to source, however, is appreciated.
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
• Volume: 62
• Issue: 34
• Start Page: 694
• End Page: 696
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; CARBAPENEM; Life Sciences & Biomedicine
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Pharmacology; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

The Bacteroides fragilis group consists of species of obligate anaerobic bacteria that inhabit the human gut. They are among the leading pathogens isolated in the setting of intra-abdominal infections. B. fragilis strains, especially in the United States, are virtually always susceptible to metronidazole, carbapenems, and beta-lactam antibiotics. Although isolated cases of resistance to single agents have been reported, multidrug-resistant (MDR) B. fragilis strains are exceptionally rare. In May 2013, an MDR B. fragilis strain was isolated from the bloodstream and intra-abdominal abscesses of a patient who had recently received health care in India. This is only the second published case of MDR B. fragilis in the United States. This report summarizes the case and highlights the need for awareness of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in returning travelers who have received inpatient medical care outside the United States, both for timely implementation of proper infection control measures and to ensure administration of appropriate antimicrobials.