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Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Mortality Impact of Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacter Cloacae Complex Infections: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) is an emerging threat associated with limited treatment options and increased mortality. This study aimed to describe the clinical and molecular characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of MBL-producing ECC infections in Taiwan. METHODS: genes. We compared clinical characteristics, antibiotic susceptibility profiles, and outcomes between MBL-producing and non-MBL-producing ECC infections. RESULTS: was the predominant MBL gene (72.7%, 16/22). MBL-producing ECC showed significantly lower antibiotic susceptibility compared to non-MBL-producing ECC, except for amikacin and tigecycline. Patients with MBL-producing ECC infections had higher rates of ICU admission (50.0% vs. 11.1%, p < 0.001), prolonged hospitalisation exceeding four weeks (54.5% vs. 29.5%, p = 0.030), and 30-day all-cause mortality (22.7% vs. 5.1%, adjusted HR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.02-8.52, p = 0.035). MBL production was an independent risk factor for mortality in bloodstream infections. CONCLUSIONS: among MBL genes aligns with recent regional trends. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and targeted management strategies to address this emerging threat.

Source: Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance

DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2025.08.014