First report of German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) as reservoirs of CTX-M-15 extended-spectrum-β-lactamase- and OXA-48 carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Batna University Hospital, Algeria

Abstract

Here we report the isolation of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from German cockroaches caught in the burn unit of Batna University Hospital in Algeria. Nine of 12 isolates harbored the blaCTX-M-15 ESBL gene. One Enterobacter cloacae isolate belonging to sequence type 528 coexpressed the blaOXA-48, blaCTX-M-15, and blaTEM genes. Our findings indicate that cockroaches may be one of the most dangerous reservoirs for ESBL and carbapenemase producers in hospitals.