Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae among pregnant women and newborns in Algeria: Prevalence, molecular characterization, maternal-neonatal transmission, and risk factors for carriage

Abstract

The diffusion of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) represents a worldwide public health problem. This study revealed that the prevalence of OXA-48–producing enterobacteria was 4.6% (19/414) and 1.6% (7/422) in mothers and newborns, respectively, from 2 maternity units in Algeria. Previous hospital admission was an independent factor associated with an increased risk of CPE carriage in the mothers (P =.021). The low birth weight was significantly associated with this carriage in the newborns (P =.008). The screening of these bacteria is essential to prevent the dissemination of CPE.