OXA-48 Carbapenemase in Klebsiella pneumoniae Sequence Type 307 in Ecuador

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Genetics

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health crisis, increasing infectious disease-related morbidity and mortality.
• Klebsiella pneumoniae, a versatile Gram-negative bacterium, is a frequent cause of diverse hospital-acquired and community infections.
• The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, particularly carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), poses a significant therapeutic challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type (ST) 307 harboring the blaOXA-48-like carbapenemase gene in Ecuador.
• To characterize the novel plasmid carrying the blaOXA-48-like gene.
• To investigate the potential origin and intercontinental spread of this multidrug-resistant strain.

Main Methods:

• Molecular identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type (ST) 307.
• Detection and characterization of the blaOXA-48-like carbapenemase gene.
• Plasmid profiling and sequencing to analyze the genetic context of the resistance gene.
• Epidemiological investigation of the patient's travel history.

Main Results:

• The study identified the first case of Klebsiella pneumoniae ST307 in Ecuador carrying the blaOXA-48-like gene.
• A novel plasmid harboring the blaOXA-48-like gene was characterized, indicating its potential role in resistance dissemination.
• The patient had a history of hospitalization in Ukraine, suggesting the strain was imported.

Conclusions:

• The findings underscore the intercontinental spread of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, specifically carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.
• Active molecular surveillance programs are crucial for detecting and controlling the spread of emergent carbapenemases.
• This case highlights the importance of monitoring for antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings, especially in patients with international travel history.