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Detection of KPC in Acinetobacter spp. in Puerto Rico

Iraida E Robledo1, Edna E Aquino, María I Santé

  • 1University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|December 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study identified KPC-type beta-lactamases in Acinetobacter species, including a novel variant. This is the first report of its kind, highlighting emerging resistance threats in healthcare settings.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria pose a significant global health threat.
  • Beta-lactamases, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), are key mechanisms of resistance.
  • Acinetobacter species are increasingly recognized as important nosocomial pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of beta-lactam resistance, specifically KPC-type enzymes, in Acinetobacter species.
  • To characterize the identified KPC variants through DNA sequencing.
  • To report the first instance of KPC-type beta-lactamase in Acinetobacter species.

Main Methods:

  • Island-wide PCR-based surveillance was conducted across 17 hospitals.
  • Isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex were analyzed.
  • DNA sequencing was used to identify and characterize the bla(KPC) gene variants.

Main Results:

  • Ten KPC-positive Acinetobacter isolates were identified during the surveillance.
  • DNA sequencing revealed the presence of KPC-2, KPC-3, KPC-4, and a novel variant, KPC-10.
  • This marks the first detection of KPC-type beta-lactamases in Acinetobacter species.

Conclusions:

  • The emergence of KPC-type beta-lactamases in Acinetobacter species represents a significant development in antimicrobial resistance.
  • The identification of a novel KPC variant (KPC-10) underscores the need for ongoing surveillance and characterization of resistance mechanisms.
  • These findings have implications for infection control and treatment strategies against MDR Acinetobacter infections.

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