Cryptococcus and Trichosporon spp. are susceptible in vitro to branched histidine- and lysine-rich peptides (BHKPs).

A nationwide survey also established the presence of VIM-2,-5,-6 and-11 and the evolution of a new variant, VIM-18, from this country. 10 These studies indicate the dissemination of various MBL genes in the Indian subcontinent. Although NDM-1 hydrolyses almost all b-lactams efficiently, several of our isolates were found by disc diffusion testing to be susceptible to various carbapenems as well as to piperacillin/tazo-bactam, which was not discussed in any previously conducted studies. However, MICs of these carbapenems and piperacillin/ tazobactam, which were not determined in the present study, could be more informative and would have added more value and clinical significance. Colistin and tigecycline were also found to be active in several cases. In our study it was observed that some of the bla NDM-1-harbouring isolates were found to be phenotypically susceptible to all three carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem) tested. So, irrespective of antibio-grams, all isolates should be routinely screened for molecular detection of the NDM-1 gene in the hospital setting. Thus, the routine susceptibility testing for carbapenems showing false susceptibility may lead to treatment failure. Recognition of patients at risk and prevention of transmission is urgently needed in our regions. Besides stringent infection control in hospitals and good sanitation in the community, focus on the basis of the evolution of such genes is needed in order to contain their vertical and horizontal spread.