A Threat of the Klebsiella Pneumoniae Carbapenemase–Producing Strains Among Transplant Recipients

• Published in: Transplantation proceedings Vol. 43; no. 8; pp. 3135 - 3136
• Main Authors: Mlynarczyk, G, Kosykowska, E, Walter de Walthoffen, S, Szymanek-Majchrzak, K, Sawicka-Grzelak, A, Baczkowska, T, Pazik, J, Durlik, M, Ciszek, M, Paczek, L, Chmura, A, Mlynarczyk, A
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Inc 01-10-2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Bacterial Proteins - biosynthesis; beta-Lactamases - biosynthesis; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fundamental immunology; Humans; Kidney Transplantation - adverse effects; Klebsiella Infections - drug therapy; Klebsiella Infections - etiology; Klebsiella Infections - microbiology; Klebsiella pneumoniae - drug effects; Klebsiella pneumoniae - enzymology; Klebsiella pneumoniae - isolation & purification; Liver Transplantation - adverse effects; Medical sciences; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Surgery; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Tissue, organ and graft immunology; Medicine; Treatment; Surgery; Bacteria; Graft; Transplantation; Homotransplantation; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Enterobacteriaceae; Strain
• ISSN: 0041-1345; 1873-2623
• DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2011.08.004

Abstract Background Infections due to Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Enterobacteriaceae are associated with increased therapeutic failure and mortality. Our laboratory recognized several strains producing KPC, most of which originated from transplantation ward patients. Materials and Methods All strains of K pneumoniae resistant to at least 1 carbapenem isolated in 2010 were examined for KPC production by disc diffusion and then verified by molecular methods. Results All positive strains originated from 7 patients. Six of them were from transplantation wards. None of the KPC-producing strains was isolated from the patient's blood. Conclusions A quick, accurate diagnosis of KPC-producing strains enabled immediate isolation of carriers or infected persons. Isolation prevented spread of dangerous strains among immunocompromised patients and reduced the possibility of serious infections.