Multi- Drug Resistant Bacteria MCMH
Contact tracing measures are currently being undertaken by the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health and Energy (MOHWEE) following the identification of a drug-resistant bacterium at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).
Through routine laboratory and antimicrobial resistance surveillance systems, the Ministry identified four patients with wounds who were carrying Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) featuring the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) resistance mechanism.
Acinetobacter baumannii is a type of bacteria that can cause infections, especially in individuals who are hospitalized or very sick.
The “Carbapenem-resistant” (CRAB) designation indicates that these bacteria have become resistant to carbapenems, which are powerful antibiotics typically used to treat serious infections. The NDM resistance mechanism means the bacteria produce an enzyme capable of breaking down certain antibiotics, including those carbapenems.
The Ministry noted that while “resistant” means some antimicrobials may no longer work effectively against the bacteria making infections more difficult to treat, it does not mean that treatment is impossible.
Furthermore, the detection of these cases does not imply that the general public is at an immediate increased risk; the current response is specifically designed to detect, contain, and reduce the spread within the hospital setting.
In addition to contact tracing, the Ministry has implemented the following measures:
- Enhanced Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices
- Continued laboratory and environmental testing
- Antimicrobial resistance surveillance
- Review of possible epidemiological links between the identified cases
- Environmental and equipment cleaning and sanitation
- Monitoring for any additional cases
- Restrictions on elective surgeries
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global public health concern that occurs when microorganisms develop the ability to survive medicines that were previously effective. This reinforces the importance of using antibiotics responsibly and only as prescribed by healthcare professionals.
The Ministry emphasized that the detection of these cases demonstrates the importance of existing surveillance systems to identify unusual patterns early.
The MOHWEE administrative team, along with management and clinical teams at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, will continue to monitor the situation closely and implement necessary measures to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the general public.
