Rapid emergence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates in Belgium

We report on the evolution and epidemiology of carbapenem non-susceptible Enterobacteriaceae (CNSE) including carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in Belgium between January 2007 and April 2011. Significantly higher numbers of CNSE and of CPE were detected in 2010 and 2011 compared to the years 2007 to 2009. The majority of patients carrying CPE did not have history of travel abroad. The rapid emergence of autochthonous CPE strains in Belgium since 2010 warrants strengthened epidemiological surveillance at national level