The multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Lubbock is known as Verona Integron Encoded Metallo-Beta-Lactamase producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or VIM CRPA. The organism causes severe healthcare-associated infections, which are difficult to treat. Pseudomonas can infect any part of your body, such as your blood, lungs, stomach, urinary tract or tendons, and typically infects people with weakened immune systems.
The City of Lubbock was able to identify the VIM CRPA organism spread because local laboratories voluntarily submitted patient specimens to the antibiotic resistance network laboratory.
The CDC and Lubbock are conducting infection control assessments at healthcare facilities in the city, and they are also working to increase the number of at-risk patients screened for VIM CRPA.
“The belief is that this VIM organism is going to pop up in other areas, so if we can show how to control it then we will really be a leader in the country about how to handle these types of outbreaks,” said Katherine Wells, Lubbock’s director of public health, according to KCBD.
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