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Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae harbouring blaKPC-3 and blaVIM-2 from central Italy

Mariagrazia Perilli1, Carlo Bottoni, Alessandro Grimaldi

  • 1Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e Biotecnologiche, Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. perilli@univaq.it

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|November 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing (KPC) K. pneumoniae infections are rising in Italian hospitals. This study details a KPC-3 and VIM-2 producing isolate, highlighting its genetic elements for better infection control.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Increasing prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) in healthcare settings.
  • KPC infections pose a significant threat to hospitalized patients.
  • Need for detailed molecular characterization of KPC isolates.

Observation:

  • A Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae KP1/11 isolate was obtained from a patient's serious infection (decubitus ulcer).
  • The isolate exhibited resistance due to the production of KPC-3 and VIM-2 beta-lactamases.
  • Genetic analysis revealed the bla(KPC-3) gene on a Tn4401a transposon within a large plasmid.

Findings:

  • The bla(KPC-3) gene was located on a Tn4401a transposon, a common mobile genetic element.
  • Two distinct class 1 integrons were identified on the chromosomal DNA.
  • These integrons contained different gene cassettes: orfD-aacA8 and aacA29-bla(VIM-2).

Implications:

  • Understanding the genetic basis of KPC resistance is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
  • The presence of multiple resistance genes and mobile elements facilitates the spread of KPC.
  • This molecular data aids in developing targeted surveillance and control measures against KPC infections.

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