Impact of Genetic Diversity of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains on the Dissemination of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactam Resistance Genes in Côte d’Ivoire

The increase and spread of bacterial resistance to extended-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics are reported in many infections and are a real public health problem worldwide. Drug pressure is a factor that favors the emergence of a population of better adapted bacteria. However, there is no literature highlighting the genetic diversity and evolutionary structure of E. coli and K. pneumoniae in an environment with high selection pressure in Côte d’Ivoire. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains circulating at the HKB Hospital in Abobo and at the Daloa Regional Hospital and its impact on the dissemination of extended spectrum beta-lactam resistance genes. A total of 39 strains isolated from the urinary tract of infected patients, including 30 strains of E. coli and 9 strains of K. pneumoniae were studied. A total of 39 strains isolated from the urinary tract of infected patients, including 30 strains of E. coli and 9 strains of K. pneumoniae were studied. From genomic DNA extracts, ESBL resistance genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced, in addition to genetic typing by ERIC-PCR. The data obtained were submitted to genetic and bioinformatics analyses. The results have shown a genetic diversity important in E. coli and K. pneumoniae with diversity indexs (SID) ranging from 0.5 to 0.77. The genetic structure of the bacterial species studied has shown a clonal distribution of strains with clones expressing TEM-9 and CTX-M-15 variants. Also, this clonal structure was correlated with the spread of resistance genes in E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The spread of resistant clones is a factor that might limit the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Prevalence of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae （CRKP） and the Distribution of Class 1 Integron in Their Strains Isolated from a Hospital in Central China

Objective The aim of our study is to investigate the prevalence of Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae （CRKP） and the genetic characteristics of the class 1 integron in CRKP on multi-drug resistance. Methods Clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were collected from multiple departments of a hospital in central China. CRKP strains were identified among the isolates, and antibiotics susceptibility of CRKP strains was analyzed. The polymerase chain reaction （PCR） was adopted to amplify the class 1 integron variable area. The integron genetic structure was analyzed with enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing technology. The relation between class 1 integron and drug resistance was analyzed statistically. Results Totally 955 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated from varied sites of the hospital, and 117（12.3%） of them were identified as CRKP, with a separation rate of 8.9% （26/292） in 2013, 11.3% （38/336） in 2014 and 16.2% （53/327） in 2015, which shows an increasing trend by year. 44.4% （52/117） of CRKP strains were separated from specimen of ICU, and 61.5% （72/117） were from sputum. Over 95% CRKP strains were resistant to ampicillin/sulbactam, aztreonam, imipenem, meropenem Ceftazidme,Cefotaxime,Cefepime,and Piperacillin, while relatively low resistant rates were found in Tigecycline （12.8%） and colistin （35.9%）. The class 1 integron was detected in 77.8% （91/117） of CRKP strains. Class 1 integron of CRKP was significantly correlated with the antibiotic resistance to the tobramycin, gentamicin and amikacin （all P〈0.01）. The gene cassette analysis of variable area of class 1 integron showed that aadA2 accounts for 64.8% （59/91）, aacA4-catB8-aadA1 23.1% （21/91）, and aadA2-dfrA25 12.1% （11/91）. Conclusions CRKP has an increasing trend in a clinical setting in China, and most of them were resistant to multiple antibiotics. Class 1 integron in CRKP has strong ability to capture the genes resistant to aminoglycosides antibiotics from environment, with the aadA2 gene as the most popular one.

A Case of Carbapenem Resistant Non-K1/K2 Serotype <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>Liver Abscess

Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess (KPLA) has been described as an invasive syndrome with extrahepatic complications. The majority of KPLA is caused by capsular serotype K1 and K2 isolates. We report a case of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess. The patient initially presented with infected right above-the-knee amputation and was later found with a large liver abscess. Initial antimicrobial susceptibility showed carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP). Further molecular workup revealed that the isolate was a less virulent non-K1/K2 serotype, and both rmpA and kfu genes were negative. The lack of outer membrane porins likely contributed to the carbapenem resistance. To our knowledge, this is a first reported case of carbapenem resistant, non-K1/K2 serotype K. pneumoniae liver abscess in the United States.

Prevalence and Study of the Clonality of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains in Neonatology at the University Hospitals of Abidjan by the Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis and the Quantitative Antibiogram

Background: ESBL-producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, one of the main causes of nosocomial and hospital-acquired infections, are commonly associated with therapeutic impasses. Surveillance of these multidrug-resistant pathogens is a crucial tool for controlling and preventing infections. This surveillance involves the use of appropriate molecular and phenotypic typing techniques. The choice of techniques is based on criteria such as discriminatory power, intra- and inter-laboratory reproducibility, epidemiological concordance, ease of use and cost. The aim of our study was to identify clusters of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-K. pneumoniae) strains circulating in neonatology using quantitative antibiogram (QA) and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 55 K. pneumoniae strains isolated from a total of 513 samples. These various samples are taken from newborns, healthcare personnel, and the environment. K. pneumoniae identification followed standard bacteriological procedures and was confirmed using the Vitek® 2 (bioMérieux). The detection of the ESBL phenotype was performed using the synergy test. QA and PFGE were used to identify clonal relationships between the various strains isolated. Concordance between these two methods was assessed by calculating Cohen’s KAPPA coefficient and Simpson’s diversity index. Results: Among the 55 K. pneumoniae strains included in this study, 58.2% (32/55) were found to be Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producers. Most of these strains were isolated from neonatal samples (blood samples and rectal swabs). The quantitative antibiogram method applied to 28 out of the 32 ESBL-producing strains revealed that the isolates were grouped into 5 clusters. Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis performed on a total of 16 ESBL-producing strains showed the existence of four profiles. A perfect concordance was observed between the two methods. Conclusion: The results of this study highlighted the existence of clonal strains of various origins within neonatology units.

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Molecular Characterization of <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>in Clinical Isolates at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most frequent opportunistic pathogens causing a range of infections and being resistant for beta-lactamases (ESBL) and Carbapenemases. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns and molecular characterization establishing the phenotypes and genotypes associated with drug resistance, an antibiogram of genotypically positive isolates for resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae in clinical isolates at MRRH. Materials and Methods: A laboratory-based descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted from September 2018 to May 2019 at MRRH. Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified by cultural and biochemical methods. Antibiotic sensitivity test was performed by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. ESBL production in Klebsiella pneumoniae was tested by double-disc synergy test, Carbapenemase production by MHT, Boronic Acid or EDTA test using Meropenem phenotypically and both resistance confirmed genotypically by Multiplex PCR. Results: Out of 1055 clinical isolates, 298 (28.2%) were found positive for Klebsiella.spp, 175 isolates were subcultured among which 22 (12.57%) were K. pneumoniae based on API 20E. Overall Sensitivity patterns of these Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates to Ceftriaxone, (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate), Gentamicin, Cefepime, Ciprofloxacin, Cefoxitin, Nitrofurantoin, Cefuroxime, piperacillin/tazobactam, Meropenem, Ceftazidime and cefotaxime were 72.7%, 63.7%, 54.5%, 45.5%, 31.8%, 31.8%, 27.3%, 27.3%, 22.7%, 22.7%, 18.2%, 9.1%, 9.1% respectively. ESBL producing K. pneumoniae was found at 68.18% (15/22) phenotypically. Genotypically;the ESBL genes were blaCTX-M (100%), blaSHV (80%) and blaTEM (100;47%);8/15 (73.3%) had CTX-M, SHV, TEM, 4/15 (26.67%) CTX-M, TEM, 3/15 (20.00%) CTX-M and SHV. Carbapenemase producing K. pneumoniae was found at 31.82% (7/22) phenotypically;1/7 (14.28%) by MHT, 4/7 (57.14%) Boronic acid test and 2/7 (28.58%) EDTA test. Genotypically;3/4 [(75%) 42.86%] had OXA-48, 1/4 [(25%) 14.28%] OXA-48 and KPC gene, 1/2 [(50%) 14.28%] KPC and VIM, 1/2 [(50%) 14.28%] KPC and KPC gene [(100%) 14.28%]. Conclusion/Recommendations: DDS to be used for ESBL production, MHT, Boronic Acid test and EDTA tests using Meropenem/or Imipenem for Carbapenemase-production routinely.

Predominance of Multi-Drug Resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumonia</i>and Other Gram Negative Bacteria in Neonatal Sepsis in Equatorial Guinea

The study was conducted on new-born babies in whom septicemia was suspected, to determine the prevalence of bacterial strains isolated and their sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs. The study was carried out at La Paz Medical Center, Microbiology section, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea from August 2013 to October 2015. Out of 293 septicemia suspected cases, 29 (10%) blood cultures were positive, 28 with bacterial growth and 1 with growth of Candida sp. The mortality rate of neonates caused by Gram negative bacterial sepsis was 34.7%. Among the Gram negative bacteria (24 isolates), the most common types were Klebsiella pneumoniae (16 = 69.6%), followed by Escherichia coli (4 = 17.4%) and Acinetobacter species (4 = 17.4%). Four Gram positive bacteria were also isolated and identified all ascoagulase-negative staphylococci. All the Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates and Acinetobacter species demonstrated Multi Drug Resistance against different antibiotics with Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) activity. The most frequent causative agent of bacterial sepsis in new-born children was Klebsiella pneumoniae. An alarming level of Multi Drug Resistance (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae strains to the first choice antibiotic treatment was observed.

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of <i>Escherichia coli</i>and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>in Urine Tract Infections at the La Paz Medical Center, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

The study was conducted to isolate and determine the antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia from urine samples over a 2-year period (August 2013-September 2015) at the La Paz Medical Center, Malabo. A retrospective analysis of 785 urine culture samples over a 2-year period August 2013-September 2015 was carried out according to the routine protocol of urinalysis. Bacterial etiological agents were isolated from 155 (19.7%) samples with highest prevalence of Escherichia coli (55.5%) followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (23.2%), Proteus mirabilis (4.5%), Pseudomonas species (3.2%), Enterobacter species (2.6%), Enterococcus faecalis (2.6%) and others species (8.4%). The E. coli and K. pneumonia represent 78.7% of all isolated bacterial strains. The E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates possess highly resistant to ampicillin, Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole, Doxycycline, Amoxicicline/Clavulanic acid. Whereas K. pneumonia demonstrated also to be highly resistant to Gentamycin, Cefuroxime and Ceftriaxon, low level of resistance to Piperacilin/Tazobactam, Amikacin and the lowest to Imipenem. The alarming level of MDR strains to the first choice antibiotics treatment was observed.

A Prospective Study on the Efficiency of Ciprofloxacin in Combination with Chloramphenicol against Multiple Antibiotics Resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumonia</i>

Pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide and also a form of an acute respiratory infection that affects the lung. The purpose of the study was to develop a new approach to treat antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae infection. This study aimed in quest of a drug to combine with ciprofloxacin, a broad spectrum antibiotic frequently used to treat lung infections. Methodology: A total of 23 lung infection bacterial samples were collected and studied against 14 antibiotics of different classes. The disk diffusion method was performed to determine synergy screening, MIC value, and qualitative toxicity analysis of ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol combination. Results: After primary screening of antibiotic susceptibility, they were categorized into multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and pan drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens where 9 isolates were MDR, 5 were XDR and 3 isolates were PDR. Furthermore, they were trialed in combination ciprofloxacin along with other 7 drugs in disk diffusion to explore the synergistic effect. The combination of ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol were found to be synergic. Then the MIC test was done for the combination ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol. When the MIC result was generated, the MIC of the respective combination was analyzed. Furthermore, the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) was calculated and in accordance with the results of the FIC index, ciprofloxacin-chloramphenicol combination has shown value 0.4510 which revealed a synergistic effect against multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: Given these points, if the efficiency of this antibiotic can be accelerated from combination with other drugs, it might be lifesaving and cost effective as well.

Analysis on clinical distribution and drug resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated for 5 consecutive years

Objective:To analyze the clinical distribution and drug resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from patients in a certain hospital and provide a basis for the rational use of antibiotics in the clinical treatment for the infection of Klebsiella pneumoniae.Methods:1,192 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from clinical specimens from 2012 to 2016 were collected.The strains were identified by VITEK-2 Compact Microbiological Identification System,and the corresponding results of the antimicrobial susceptibility test were interpreted in accordance with the standards recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI).Results:1,192 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae were mainly isolated from sputum(65.6%),and most of them were from Respiratory Medicine Department and Medical Intensive Care Unit of Respiratory Medicine Department(MICU),accounting for 41.4%.Out of 1,192 strains,448 strains were detected to produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases(ESBLs),accounting for 37.6%.In addition,the detection rates of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae for 5 consecutive years showed an increasing trend year by year,and they were higher than the national average values published by China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System(CARSS)in the corresponding period.The drug resistance rate of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was significantly higher than that of non ESBL-producing strains.Conclusions:The infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae mainly occurs in the lower respiratory tract,and the drug resistance rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae to antibiotics in the drug susceptibility spectrum are maintained at a high level.Therefore,the rational selection of antibiotics for the clinical treatment of lower respiratory tract infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae must be based on the production of ESBLs and the results of antimicrobial susceptibility test.

A Five-year Surveillance of Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Pediatric Hospital in China Reveals Increased Predominance of NDM-1

Objective To characterize carbapenem （CPM）-non-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae （K. pneumoniae） and carbape-nemase produced by these strains isolated from Beijing Children＇s Hospital based on a five-year surveillance. Methods The Minimal Inhibition Concentration values for 15 antibiotics were assessed using the Phonixl00 compact system. PCR amplification and DNA sequencing were used to detect genes encoding carbapenemases. WHONET 5.6 was finally used for resistance analysis. Results In total, 179 strains of CPM-non-susceptible K. pneumoniae were isolated from January, 2010 to December, 2014. The rates of non-susceptible to imipenem and meropenem were 95.0% and 95.6%, respectively. In the 179 strains, 95 （53.1%） strains carried the blalMP gene, and IMP-4 and IMP-8 were detected in 92 （96.8%） and 3 （3.2%） IMP-producing isolates, respectively. 65 （36.3%） strains carried the blaNDM_1 gene. 6 （3.4%） strains carried the blaKpc gene, and KPC-2 were detected in 6 KPC-producing isolates. In addition, New Delhi-Metallo-1 （NDM-1） producing isolates increased from 7.1% to 63.0% in five years and IMP-4 producing isolates decreased from 75.0% to 28.3%. Conclusion High frequencies of multiple resistances to antibiotics were observed in the CPM-non-susceptible K. pneumoniae strains isolated from Beijing Children＇s Hospital. The production of IMP-4 and NDM-1 metallo-13-1actamases appears to be an important mechanism for CPM-non- susceptible in K. pneumoniae.

Molecular Epidemiology of Klebsiella pneumoniae from Clinical Bovine Mastitis in Northern Area of China,2018–2019

Klebsiella pneumoniae(K.pneumonia,KpⅠ)is a predominate inducement of bovine mastitis,which is associated with high mortality and milk yield reduction.However,data is lacking on the molecular characteristics of bovine K.pneumoniae,limiting the risk assessment of its transmission through the food chain.Herein,we investigated the prevalence of K.pneumoniae in 6301 clinical mastitis(CM)milk samples from dairy cattle in northern area of China.In total,183 K.pneumoniae isolates were recovered,with detection rates of 3.0% and 2.8% in 2018 and 2019,respectively.Like human clinical K.pneumoniae,all CM K.pneumoniae isolates belonged to one of three phylogroups:KpⅠ(n=143),Klebsiella.quasipneumoniae subsp.similipneumoniae(KpⅡ-B)(n=37),and Klebsiella variicola(KpⅢ)(n=3).We detected the extendedspectrum β-lactamase-encoding genes bla_(SHV-2a),blac_(CTX-M-14),and bla_(CTX-M-15),as well as clpC,lpfA,lacI,lacZ,lacY,and the fecABDEIR operon in the KpⅠ isolates,which may contribute to their pathogenicity and host adaptability in cows.The high prevalence of KpⅠ in dairy farms may be problematic,as it showed relatively higher rates of antibiotic resistance and virulence gene carriage than the KpⅡ-B and KpⅢ isolates.Furthermore,we observed distinct differences in population structure between CM-and human infection-associated KpⅠ isolates,with the genes associated with invasive infection in humans rarely being observed in bovine isolates,indicating that few CM-associated K.pneumoniae isolates pose a threat to human health.Nevertheless,bovine KpⅡ-B isolates shared a high level of nucleotide sequence identity with isolates from human infections and frequently carried the nitrogen-fixation gene nif,suggesting an association between KpⅡ-B isolates from cattle and humans,and plant-derived bacteria.

Prevalence of CTXM, SHV, TEM AND OXA Genes among Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>from Mukuru Slum, Kenya

Background: Extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs) producing Enterobacteriaceae cause infections that are often reported in both hospital and community setting. These infections are on the increase and jeopardize the achievement of modern medicine because of their clinical implications. There is need for surveillance measures to be taken, both by the health care personnel and the community at large. Methodology: We examined 330 diarrhea stool samples from children below the age of 5 years and processed them. A total of 96 (29%) samples were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae out of the bacteria isolated. Identification of ESBL was done and 42 K. pneumoniae isolates were tested for the occurrence of blaCTX-M, blaOXA, blaTEM and blaSHV resistant genes by PCR, gel electrophoresis and visualized by UV illumination. Results: Our results revealed that blaCTXM was the most frequent ESBL type 42 (100%), followed by blaTEM in 41 (97.6%) isolates and blaSHVin38 (90.4%) of the isolates. None of the tested isolates were found to be encoding blaOXA. There was occurrence of more than one gene in most of the isolates. The double combination was detected in blaCTX-M/blaTEM (9.5%) and blaCTXM/SHV (2.4%). A triple combination was noted blaTEM/blaSHV/bla CTX-M (88%). Conclusion: Our results indicate that there is Presence of Beta lactam genes associated with antimicrobial resistance among the K. pneumoniae isolates from Mukuru Slum, Kenya. The predominant ESBL genotype in Mukuru slums, Kenya was blaCTX-M followed by blaTEM and blaSHV respectively. There is need for surveillance measures to be taken so as to control the spread among the community.

Detection of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in Two Hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

In this study, the prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates from the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and the National Hospital was determined. A total of two hundred and fifteen (215) clinical isolates were examined, of which 60% were E. coli and 40% K. pneumoniae respectively. The isolates were collected from various samples namely: Stool, Urine, Pus, High Vagina Swab, Sputum and Wound swab. Out of these isolates, 54 of K. pneumoniae were screened to be ESBL negative and 32 as ESBL positive isolates, while 88 and 40 E. coli were also screened as ESBL negative and ESBL positive isolates respectively. These represent 37.9% of all K. pneumoniae isolates and 31.25% of E. coli isolates respectively. The prevalence of ESBL among the species was not however statistically different (p > 0.05). Multiple resistance in these isolates was common and there is the need for routine screening of ESBL in our hospitals to guide rational and effective use of antibiotics.

Correlation between a Change of Drug Resistance of <i>Klebsiella pneumonia</i>and Defined Daily Doses of Antimicrobial Agents from 2014 to 2018

Introduction: The prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae has rapidly increased in recent years and the distribution differed greatly by region, We aimed to study the relationship between antibiotic resistance and K. pneumoniae, especially carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in our tertiary hospitals from 2014 to 2018. Methodology: The antibiotic consumption data of K. pneumoniae were expressed as the defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 inpatient days (DDDs). K. pneumoniae which isolated from clinical samples in hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, and the correlation between antibiotic resistance rate and antibiotic frequency was analyzed. Results: From 2014 to 2018, a total of 2295 strains of K. pneumoniae were isolated, with the detection rates of 8.2%, 9.2%, 11.9%, 13.4% and 14.0%. There were 423 strains of CRKP, with the detection rates of 7.5%, 5.8%, 17.8% 24.2% and 25.2% respectively. K. pneumoniae showed different degrees of resistance to antibiotics and showed an increasing trend year by year to carbapenems. The resistance rate of imipenem was 2.5%, 2.8%, 9.9%, 12.3%, 13.4%, and the resistance rate of meropenem was 2.0%, 3.0%, 8.8%, 12.6%, 12.7%, respectively. The resistance rate of most other drugs decreased. The DDDs values of cefoperazone/sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam and gentamicin showed a strong positive correlation with K. pneumoniae drug resistance rate (r > 0.8, P < 0.05). Conclusions: The detection rate of K. pneumoniae and CRKP increased year by year, which was closely related to the dose of antibiotics. Strengthening the management of antimicrobial drugs and standardising the use of antimicrobial prescriptions were of great significance for delaying the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria.

Study of Klebsiella pneumoniae producing extendedspectrum β-lactamases against aminoglycosides

Klebsiella pneumoniae （ K. pneumoniae） is one of the main gmn-negative bacilli in clinical practice. Nosocomial infections caused by K. pneumoniae producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases （ESBLs） are very difficult to treat. This paper investigated the resistant characteristics of K. pneumoniae producing ESBLs and their aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme gene expressions including Nacetyltransferases and O-adenyltransferases. Bacteria identification and ESBLs confirmatory tests were performed by Phoenix^TM-100 system. And minimum inhibitory concentrations （MICs） of gentamicin, amikacin, kanamycin, tobranycin, netilmicin and neomycin in 53 K. pneumoniae isolates were detected by agar dilution. In addition, six aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and verified by DNA sequencer. It was found that imipenem and meropenem against 120 K. pneumoniae isolates produced powerful antimicrobial activities. The resistant rates of gentamicin and amikacin were 55.0% and 46.7%, respectively. Except neomycin, MIC50 and MIC90 of gentamicin, amikacin, kanamycin, tobramycin and netilmicin in 53 K. pneumoniae were all 〉 128 μg/ml, and the resistant rates were 83.0%, 52.3%, 75.5%, 81.1% and 69.8%, respectively. However, neomycin was only 39.6%. In addition, five modifying enzyme genes, including aac（3）-Ⅰ, aac（3）-Ⅱ, aac（6＇）-Ⅰb, ant（3＂）-Ⅰ, ant（2＂）-Ⅰ genes, were found in 53 isoaltes except aac （6＇）-Ⅱ, and their positive rates were 11.3%, 67.9%, 47.2%, 1.9% and 39.6%, respectively. It was also confirmed by nucleotide sequence analysis that the above resistant genes shared nearly 100% identities with GenBank published genes. The results obtained in the present study indicated that K. pneumoniae producing ESBLs strains are rapidly spreading in our hospital, and their resistance to aminoglycosides may be associated with aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme gene expressions.

Klebsiella pneumoniae: epidemiology and analysis of risk factors for infections caused by resistant strains

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiology of hospital and community-acquired infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and risk factors for infections caused by resistant strains. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed to analyze the relationship between antimicrobial use and bacterial resistance. RESULTS: A K. pneumoniae infection was diagnosed in 0.47% of patients (169 of 36 179) admitted to the hospital between 1 March 1999 and 31 August 2000. Of the 169 isolates, 166 (98.2%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial and 91.1% (154/169) to two or more antibiotics. 98% were resistant to ampicillin, 77% to piperacillin, 64% to cephalothin, 60% to ampicillin/sulbactam, 59% to cefoperazone, 57% to cefazolin, 55% to cefuroxime, 51% to TMP-SMZ, 51% to tobramycin, 50% to gentamicin, 49% to aztreonam, cefetaxime and ceftriaxone respectively, 47% to ceftazidime, 47% to cefepime, 46% to ciprofloxacin, 46% to ticarcillin/clavulanate, 44% to amikacin, 38% to cefoxitin, 22% to piperacillin/tazobactam, while all strains were tested susceptible to imipenem. CONCLUSIONS: Prior receipt of amtimicrobial therapy was significantly associated with infection caused by a resistant organism and most strains were resistant to multiple antibiotics.

Genetic factors related to the widespread dissemination of ST11 extensively drug-resistant carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains within hospital

Background:Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae(CP-Kp)poses distinct clinical challenges due to extensively drug resistant(XDR)phenotype,and sequence type(ST)11 is the most dominant blaKPC-2-bearing CP-Kp clone in China.The purpose of this current retrospective study was to explore the genetic factors associated with the success of XDR CP-Kp ST11 strains circulated in the intensive care unit(ICU)of a Chinese tertiary hospital.Methods:Six ST11 XDR CP-Kp strains were identified between May and December 2014 and validated by minimum inhibitory concentration examination,polymerase chain reaction,and pyrosequencing.The six ST11 XDR CP-Kp,as well as three multi-drug resistant(MDR)and four susceptible strains,were sequenced using single-molecule real-time method.Comprehensively structural and functional analysis based on comparative genomics was performed to identify genomic characteristics of the XDR ST11 CP-Kp strains.Results:We found that ST11 XDR blaKPC-2-bearing CP-Kp strains isolated from inpatients spread in the ICU of the hospital.Functionally,genes associated with information storage and processing of the ST11 XDR CP-Kp strains were more abundant than those of MDR and susceptible strains,especially genes correlative with mobile genetic elements(MGEs)such as transposons and prophages.Structurally,eleven large-scale genetic regions taken for the unique genome in these ST11 XDR CP-Kp strains were identified as MGEs including transposons,integrons,prophages,genomic islands,and integrative and conjugative elements.Three of them were located on plasmids and eight on chromosomes;five of them were with antimicrobial resistance genes and eight with adaptation associated genes.Notably,a new blaKPC-2-bearingΔΔTn1721-blaKPC-2 transposon,probably transposed and truncated fromΔTn1721-blaKPC-2 by IS903D and ISKpn8,was identified in all six ST11 XDR CP-Kp strains.Conclusion:Our findings suggested that together with clonal spread,MGEs identified uniquely in the ST11 XDR CP-Kp strains might contribute to their formidable adaptability,which facilitated their widespread dissemination in hospital.

单纯性支气管扩张症与支气管扩张症-慢性阻塞性肺疾病重叠综合征患者的病原菌对比研究

背景我国慢性阻塞性肺疾病(简称慢阻肺)及支气管扩张症(简称支扩)患者数量庞大,均为高发病率、高病死率的慢性呼吸系统疾病。支气管扩张症-慢性阻塞性肺疾病重叠综合征(BCOS)作为一种特殊临床亚型虽常见但易被忽略。感染常是其急性恶化的诱因,但相关病原学研究相对匮乏。目的分析单纯性支气管扩张症(BE)与BCOS患者病原菌分布、耐药性特点,比较两者差异。为临床合理使用抗菌药物提供参考。方法选取2016年1月—2023年1月在马鞍山市人民医院呼吸与危重医学科住院的支扩患者584例为研究对象,根据是否合并慢阻肺将患者分为两组:BE组(未合并慢阻肺,335例)和BCOS组(合并慢阻肺,249例)。回顾性分析患者病原菌构成、药敏结果及变迁,分析两组病原菌分布及耐药性差异。结果584例支扩患者共分离299株病原菌,BE组分离病原菌146株,其中革兰阴性菌87株(59.59%),革兰阳性菌3株(2.05%),分枝杆菌9株(6.16%),真菌47株(32.19%);BCOS组分离病原菌153株,其中革兰阴性菌80株(52.29%),革兰阳性菌1株(0.65%),分枝杆菌2株(1.31%),真菌70株(45.75%);BCOS组患者白色念珠菌构成比高于BE组(χ^(2)=5.274,P=0.022)。两组铜绿假单胞菌耐药率分别为:亚胺培南10.64%、25.53%,哌拉西林他唑巴坦6.98%、15.91%,环丙沙星12.77%、21.28%,阿米卡星2.13%、2.13%;两组肺炎克雷伯菌耐药率分别为:亚胺培南0、14.29%,哌拉西林他唑巴坦0、14.29%,环丙沙星15.38%、35.71%,阿米卡星0、7.14%;BCOS组铜绿假单胞菌对氨苄西林舒巴坦耐药率低于BE组(P=0.026)。BCOS组患者产超广谱β内酰胺酶肠杆菌科(χ^(2)=4.357,P=0.037)及耐碳青霉烯类铜绿假单胞菌分离率均高于BE组(χ^(2)=5.593,P=0.018)。2016—2022年支扩患者分离铜绿假单胞菌株数均最高,呈先降后升趋势;分离肺炎克雷伯菌株数在2021、2022年明显升高,仅次于铜绿假单胞菌;2020—2022年分离分枝杆菌株数及2021—2022年分离曲霉菌株数均呈上升趋势。结论BCOS作为一种特殊表型,其病原菌分布、耐药性有其自身特点,值得关注。铜绿假单胞菌目前是BE及BCOS患者常见分离致病菌,近年来分离肺炎克雷伯菌株数仅次于铜绿假单胞菌。分离分枝杆菌、曲霉菌株数较前亦明显上升,应引起重视,尤其是BE患者。

Influence of induced ciprofloxacin resistance on efflux pump activity of Klebsiella pneumoniae

Objective:The efflux pump(EP) is one of the major mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae.However,there are few reports on the effect of the abuse of antibiotic use on the activity of EPs.To determine whether the use of low efficacy antibiotics has any effect on the activity of EPs and induces drug resistance in K.pneumoniae,we investigated the effect of ciprofloxacin on the activity of EPs in K.pneumoniae strains.Methods:Sixteen susceptible K.pneumoniae strains were isolated from patients and their minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs) of ciprofloxacin were measured in the absence and presence of the pump inhibitor carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone(CCCP).The strains were then induced with a gradient of ciprofloxacin until the MICs of the strains showed no further increase,to obtain induced resistant strains.The EP activities of the strains before and after induction were compared using EP inhibition and ethidium bromide(EtBr) accumulation assays.Results:The MIC values of the strains were 16 256 times higher after induction than before induction.In the presence of CCCP,the MIC values of 50% of the induced strains were 2 4-fold lower than that in the absence of this inhibitor.The EtBr accumulation assay showed that the fluorescence of EtBr in the induced cells was lower than that in the cells before induction.Conclusions:EPs are widespread in susceptible and drug-resistant K.pneumoniae strains.Induction with ciprofloxacin may increase the activity of EPs in K.pneumoniae.The EtBr accumulation assay is more sensitive than the EP inhibition assay in evaluating the activity of EPs in K.pneumoniae.

Identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains harboring inactive extended-spectrum beta-lactamase antibiotic-resistance genes

Background The extended-spectrum beta-lactamase （ESBL）-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae has increasingly become a major contributor to nosocomial infections and can exhibit multiple antibiotic resistance.Previous studies have focused on the resistance genes in ESBL-producing strains,and the resistance-associated genetic environment of non-ESBL-producing strains has been ignored until now.Here,we investigated the occurrence and characteristics of non-ESBL-producing K.pneumoniae,which potentially carries unexpressed resistance genes.Methods K.pneumoniae strains were collected from five medical institutions in China from February 2010 to August 2013.The VITEK-2 ESBL detection system was used as a primary screen to identify the ESBL-producing phenotype,and the three primary types of ESBL-associated genes （CTX,SHV,and TEM） were detected by polymerase chain reaction （PCR） to confirm the strains presenting with a non-ESBL-producing phenotype.mRNA expression in the non-ESBL-producing strains was further screened by reverse-transcription PCR （RT-PCR） to validate their transcriptional efficiency.Results Out of 224 clinically isolated antibiotic-sensitive K.pneumoniae strains with a non-ESBL-producing phenotype,5 （2.2％） were identified to carry inactivated ESBL blaSHV genes with intact upstream promoter regions and resistance gene sequences.Interestingly,three of the five antibiotic-sensitive K.pneumoniae strains containing ESBL blaSHV genes still exhibited mRNA transcription of blasHv,while the other two exhibited no mRNA transcription.Conclusion These findings suggest that inactivated ESBL genes exist in non-ESBL-producing antibiotic-sensitive K.pneumoniae strains,which have the potential to transform the strain into an ESBL phenotype if an inappropriate application or overdose of antibiotics is implemented during clinical management.