Report of a carbapenemase gene blaIMP-4in multi-drug resistant Escherichia colifrom sewage water: A threat on clinical-environmental interphase

Acquired carbapenemases pose a significant role in the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and in this study we have identified the occurrence of blaIMP-4in E. coliisolate from a sewage outfall located nearby a secondary health Centre. It was found to co-existed with blaCTX-M-15located within a self-conjugable plasmid of IncF type. The current study underscores environment as a potential reservoir of carbapenem resistance and the need of the hour is to track and check dissemination of resistance in environment, human and agricultural settings.