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pKBuS13, a KPC-2-encoding plasmid from Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type 833, carrying Tn4401b inserted into an Xer

Luigi Garbari1, Marina Busetti2, Lucilla Dolzani1

  • 1Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|June 17, 2015
PubMed

Insights

This study identifies the first Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase 2 (KPC-2)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strain (ST833) in Italy. The bla KPC gene

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections.
  • Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) pose a global health threat due to limited treatment options.
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase 2 (KPC-2) is a prevalent carbapenemase enzyme.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first detection of a KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strain belonging to sequence type 833 (ST833).
  • To characterize the genetic environment of the bla KPC determinant.
  • To investigate the potential epidemiological implications of the findings.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of the Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate.
  • Plasmid analysis and characterization.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of genetic elements and sequence homology.

Main Results:

  • Identification of a KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST833 strain from an Italian hospital, with patient origin from South America.
  • The bla KPC-2 determinant was located on a ColE1 plasmid (pKBuS13) within the Tn4401b transposon.
  • Insertion of Tn4401b into an Xer site-specific recombination locus affected plasmid stability and multimer resolution.
  • Adjacent sequences to Tn4401b showed homology to a carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli strain from Boston, suggesting wider plasmid circulation.

Conclusions:

  • This finding highlights the emergence and spread of KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST833 in Italy.
  • The genetic context of the bla KPC-2 gene on pKBuS13 may influence plasmid stability and detection.
  • The observed sequence homology suggests potential international dissemination of this plasmid or related elements, warranting further epidemiological surveillance.

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