NDM-1–Positive, Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Public Water in India

NDM-1 β-lactamase–producing bacteria were found in water samples from New Delhi; the underlying gene was also found in shigellosis- and cholera-causing species.

Bacteria carrying NDM-1 have now been reported from patients in multiple countries, many of whom had previous travel to the Indian subcontinent (JW Infect Dis Aug 18 2010). To assess the extent of these multidrug-resistant bacteria in the environment, researchers collected samples of water from public taps and waste-seepage sites (e.g., pools in streets or rivulets) in central New Delhi. For comparison, they obtained sewage-effluent samples from Cardiff, Wales, during the same time period (September and October, 2010). Samples were tested for presence of the NDM-1 gene, bla_NDM-1, by polymerase chain reaction and DNA probing and were cultured for bacteria.

Overall, 2 of 50 tap-water samples and 51 of 171 seepage samples — but 0 of 70 sewage-e…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine