Emergence of metallo-beta-lactamases in Acinetobacter spp clinical isolates from Argentina.

64 Rev Esp Quimioter 2010;23(2):100-102 The class B metallo carbapenem-hydrolyzing ß lactamases (MBLs) are enzymes of great concern because they possess activity against all ß -lactams, except monobactams. Up to now, several members of this family of enzymes have been described (IMP, VIM, SPM-1, GIM-1, SIM-1). Most of VIM and IMP genes usually reside within class 1 integrons as gene cassettes. Due to the ability to confer broad-spectrum ß lactam resistance, the unavailability of clinically useful inhibitors, and their potential for rapid and generalized dissemination, infections produced by MBL-possessing bacteria are a matter of great concern worldwide. In Argentina, the undesirable emergence of MBLs was previously documented among Pseudomonas aeruginosa .