Genetic platforms, bacterial hosts, and ecological contexts enable emergence and restrict dissemination of non-epidemic acquired carbapenemases

The Lancet Microbe 2026 Open access

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Authors: João Pedro Rueda Furlan, Fábio Parra Sellera, Eliana Guedes Stehling, Yawen Yu, Zhi Ruan
DOI: 10.1016/j.lanmic.2026.101396
Cited by: 0
References: 7

Abstract

Carbapenemases are carbapenem-hydrolysing enzymes that remain among the most prevalent drivers of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria,1 some of which, including KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, and OXA-48-like (also known as the epidemic Big Five), have shown global dissemination. However, dozens of non-epidemic acquired carbapenemases (NEACs) have been described over the past two decades that have not shown major epidemiological expansion.2 These enzymes emerged in clinical or environmental settings and were associated with mobile genetic elements, without establishing a sustained global presence.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts Antibiotic Use and Resistance

Publication details

Journal / source
The Lancet Microbe
Volume
7
Issue
6
Pages
101396–101396
Publication date
14 March 2026
Language
EN