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KPC-3-Producing Serratia marcescens Outbreak between Acute and Long-Term Care Facilities, Florida, USA
Abstract:
We describe an outbreak caused by Serratia marcescens carrying blaKPC-3 that was sourced to a long-term care facility in Florida, USA. Whole-genome sequencing and plasmid profiling showed involvement of 3 clonal lineages of S. marcescens and 2 blaKPC-3-carrying plasmids. Determining the resistance mechanism is critical for timely implementation of infection control measures.
Insights
An outbreak of Serratia marcescens carrying blaKPC-3 occurred in a Florida long-term care facility. Understanding this carbapenem resistance mechanism is vital for infection control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) pose a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen increasingly associated with healthcare-associated infections.
- The blaKPC-3 gene confers resistance to carbapenems, a critical class of antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of Serratia marcescens harboring the blaKPC-3 gene.
- To identify the clonal lineages and plasmid profiles associated with the outbreak.
- To inform infection control strategies by elucidating the resistance mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to analyze bacterial genetic relatedness.
- Plasmid profiling to identify mobile genetic elements carrying resistance genes.
- Epidemiological investigation to trace the source of the outbreak.
Main Results:
- Identified an outbreak of Serratia marcescens linked to a long-term care facility in Florida.
- Determined the involvement of three distinct clonal lineages of S. marcescens.
- Characterized two different blaKPC-3-carrying plasmids within the outbreak strains.
Conclusions:
- The outbreak involved multiple S. marcescens clones and blaKPC-3-carrying plasmids.
- Elucidating the genetic basis of carbapenem resistance is crucial.
- Timely implementation of infection control measures is essential to contain the spread.
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