Characterization of Verona Integron-Encoded Metallo-β-Lactamase-Type Carbapenemase-Producing Isolates Collected over a 16-Year Period in Bolzano (Northern Italy).

Multidrug-resistant , particularly carbapenemase producers, are a major source of concern. This study aims to investigate the long-term epidemiology of Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM)-producing in the health district of Bolzano, Northern Italy, by examining the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of 26 isolates obtained during 2005-2020. Isolates were identified with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight, susceptibility testing was by Vitek 2, Sensititre, and Etest; carbapenemase activity was confirmed by Etest and Carbapenemase Inactivation Method (CIM) test; and the VIM-antigen was identified by the NG-Test CARBA 5.