Successful eradication of an environmental reservoir of NDM-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae associated with nosocomial transmissions in a low-incidence setting

Abstract Background The hospital wastewater system has been reported as a source of nosocomial acquisition of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae(CPE) in various settings. Cleaning and disinfection protocols or replacement of contaminated equipment often fail to eradicate these environmental reservoirs, which can lead to long-term transmission of CPE. We report a successful multimodal approach to control a New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase positive Klebsiella pneumoniae (NDM-KP) nosocomial outbreak implicating contamination of sink traps in a low-incidence setting. Methods Following the incidental identification of NDM-KP in a urine culture of an inpatient, we performed an epidemiological investigation, including patient and environmental CPE screening, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) of strains. We also implemented multimodal infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, namely the isolation of cases, waterless patient care, replacement of contaminated sink traps and connecting pieces, and bleach and steam disinfection of sinks for 6 months, followed by patient and environmental screenings for eradication. Results Between February and May 2022, five NDM-KP cases were identified in an eight-bed neurosurgical intermediate care unit. Among the eight sink traps of the unit, three were positive for NDM-KP. Patient and environmental isolates belonged to multilocus sequence typing ST-268. All isolate genomes were genetically very similar suggesting cross-transmission and a potential role of the environment as the source of transmissions. Thanks to the combined IPC measures, no new case was subsequently detected, and sink traps remained negative for NDM-KP within 6 months after the intervention. Conclusion The implementation of multimodal IPC measures, including waterless patient care combined with the replacement and disinfection of sink traps and connecting pieces, was successful in the eradication of NDM-KP after eight months. In a low-incidence setting, this approach has made it possible to pursue the objective of zero transmission of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE).