Controlling the spread of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria

Abstract

Corresponding Author: Dr. Shamsudin Aliyu, Department of Medical Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. E-mail: shamsualiyu@gmail.com The rapid spread of carbapenemase producing Gram-negatives (CPGNs) continues to pose a significant health threat globally. The potential threat to patients and health personnel is unprecedented. This has heightened the global awareness of the need to prioritize infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies, with the aim of reducing the burden of infection caused by these bacteria. Developing countries have experienced unfavorable trends in antimicrobial resistance.[1] CPGNs have now emerged as a significant threat in Africa.[2] Implementation of effective infection control strategies are hampered by many factors, some of which are specific to developing countries. An understanding of the basic principles of CPGN IPC is crucial to the battle against these multidrug resistant bacteria.