High-level carbapenem resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a recognized public health problem. Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) is one of the most common resistance mechanisms in these microorganisms. The gene blaSPM-1, which is the most frequent metallo-β-lactamase gene in Brazil, was first described in 20021 and has been found in different regions.2 Until now there has been no record of carbapenemase enzyme production in P. aeruginosa isolated in Mato Grosso do Sul state. Here, we describe the first report of MBL-producing P. aeruginosa in this region.

A 52-year-old female patient who had been diagnosed with Chagas disease 23 years ago and underwent sigmoidectomy and ileostomy surgery (2012) was admitted to a University Hospital of Mato Grosso do Sul on August 28, 2013 for intestinal reconstruction.

Ten days after admission, the patient underwent enteronastomosis. Four days thereafter she presented surgical wound infection, which was treated with meropenem for 15 days. Despite this treatment, purulent fluid continued to drain. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified using the Vitek 2 compact system and presented resistance to the following antibiotics: ceftriaxone (MIC≥64μg/mL), ceftazidime (MIC=32μg/mL), imipenem (MIC≥16μg/mL), meropenem (MIC≥16μg/mL), and piperacillin-tazobactam (MIC>128μg/mL). This strain was susceptible to amikacin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and colistin. Thus, meropenem used for her treatment was switched to ciprofloxacin, and the patient was discharged after 30 days of total hospitalization.

The blaSPM-1, blaIMP-1, blaSIM-1, blaVIM-1, and blaGIM-1 genes were investigated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers,3 but only blaSPM-1 gene was detected. PCR conditions were as follows: denaturing step of 94°C for 5min, 35 cycles of 94°C for 20s, 53°C for 45s, 72° for 30s, and a final incubation at 72°C for 10min.

Chagas disease has a chronic course, creating functional incompetence and surgical complications. Invasive procedures such as abdominal surgery and the use of intravascular devices are common risk factors for infection.4 Moreover, antibiotic treatment can select for multidrug-resistant microorganisms, such as P. aeruginosa. Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem owing to therapeutic failure.5

In contrast to other regions, infection with metallo-β-lactamase producing P. aeruginosa is a rare event in the Midwest region of Brazil. The emergence of MBL in our hospital should prompt the clinical staff to reinforce infection control measures and seek treatment alternatives other than carbapenem antibiotics.