Molecular analysis of OXA-48-producing Escherichia coli in Switzerland from 2019 to 2020

OXA-48-type ss-lactamases are the most prevalent carbapenemase-type in Enterobacterales in Switzerland, predominantly found in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Bacteria-producing OXA-48-type enzymes are endemic in some parts of the world, including Europe and North Africa, and are a frequent cause of nosocomial infections. Despite the emergence of numerous OXA-48-type variants, the original variant, OXA-48, remains the most prevalent in E. coli. This study describes the epidemiology of OXA-48-producing E. coli isolates submitted to the Swiss National Reference Center for Emerging Antibiotic Resistance (NARA) between January 2019 and December 2020.

Automated summary

OXA-48-type β-lactamases are the most common carbapenemase-type in Enterobacterales in Switzerland, mainly found in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Bacteria producing OXA-48-type enzymes are endemic in certain regions, including Europe and North Africa, and frequently cause hospital-acquired infections. Despite the emergence of multiple OXA-48-type variants, the original variant, OXA-48, remains the most prevalent in E. coli. This study describes the epidemiology of OXA-48-producing E. coli isolates submitted to the Swiss National Reference Center for Emerging Antibiotic Resistance (NARA) between January 2019 and December 2020.