泛耐药肺炎克雷伯菌株的医院内流行特性的研究

目的 了解华山医院泛耐药肺炎克雷伯菌株及其流行的特点.方法 收集2006年8月-2009年12月对CLSI推荐常规检测药物均耐药的肺炎克雷们菌临床分离株,共57株.所有菌株都进行药物敏感试验、超广谱β-内酰胺酶(ESBLs)初筛及表型确证试验、改良Hodge试验、等电聚焦电泳,聚合酶链反应及其产物测序、接合试验、肠杆菌基因间重复共有序列PCR(ERIC-PCR)和多位点序列分型(MLST).结果 所有菌株都携带blaKPC-2、blaCTX-M-14、blaSHV12和blaTEM-1及qnrB和aac(6')-I b-cr基因.57株细菌中ST423型5株,MIST ST11型52株.ST423型散发,而ST11型呈医院内流行.57株细菌都对替加环素耐药,对多黏菌素、米诺环素和多西环素部分敏感.结论 本次泛耐药肺炎克雷们流行主要为ST11型菌株;不同的肺炎克雷伯菌株,播散能力不同;检出泛耐药肺炎克雷伯菌时应增加检测药物的种类.     

肺炎克雷伯菌的喹诺酮外排基因qepA的检测及菌株同源性分析

目的 检测质粒介导的喹诺酮类外排基因qepA在临床分离的产超广谱β-内酰胺酶(ESBLs)的肺炎克雷伯菌中的分布情况,并对阳性菌株进行同源性分析.方法 41株细菌的鉴定和药敏采用Vitek-2 Compact系统;采用PCR法检测qepA并进行序列测定、比对.应用Rep-PCR法采用Diversilab系统对qepA阳性菌株进行同源性分析;同时了解阳性株上的rmtB分布情况.结果 5株肺炎克雷伯菌上检测到qepA基因,检出率为12.2%.Diversilab分析结果表明其中两株的qepA阳性菌同源性超过99%.包含qepA的肺炎克雷伯菌中2株(40%)检出rmtB.结论 在肺炎克雷伯菌临床菌株上检出质粒介导的喹诺酮类外排基因qepA.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the prevalence of qepA, quinolone efflux protein, among 41 unique clinical strains of K. pneumoniae producing ESBLs and to study the qepA-bearing isolates using the Diversilab system. Methods Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility were performed by Vitek-2 Compact System. Screening of qepA was carried out by PCR amplification. The NCBI BLAST program was utilized for sequence comparisons. qnr-bearing strains was evaluated by the Repetitive-sequence-based PCR(Rep-PCR) employing the Diversilab system. And the existence of rmtB was detected among these qepA contained isolates. Results qepA were detected in 5 isolates( 12.2% ). The Rep-PCR profiles produced by the Diversilab system showed that 2/5 of isolates were indistinguishable. And 60% of qepA-positive isolates were detected to harbor rmtB gene. Conclusion The data suggest the emergence of qepA-borne K. pneumoniae.     

广州地区携带blaCTX-M-15流行质粒的分子特征研究

目的 研究广州地区携带blaCTX-M-15质粒的分子特征.方法 以2007年到2008年期间来源于广州9家医院确证产CTX-M-15 ESBL的38株大肠埃希菌和47株肺炎克雷伯菌为研究对象,脉冲场凝胶电泳(PFGE)和多位点序列分型(MLST)法检测blaCTX-M-15阳性株的同源性,MIC法检测菌株对常用抗生素的敏感性.血清凝集试验确定大肠埃希菌血清型.接合试验了解携带blaCTX-M-15质粒的可接合性,限制性内切酶分析质粒的同源性.PCR分析大肠埃希菌的系统发育群,流行质粒的不相容群和耐药基因构成.结果 blaCTX-M-15阳性的大肠埃希菌和肺炎克雷伯菌分别用PFGE确定为28个和30个基因型.携blaCTX-M-15大肠埃希菌的系统发育群以D群(67.8%)和A群(21.4%)为主.大肠埃希菌血清型呈散在分布,未发现O25:H4血清型.大肠埃希菌和肺炎克雷伯菌的ST型无明显集中趋势,大肠埃希菌中发现非O25血清型的ST131,肺炎克雷伯菌中发现2个新的tonB基因和2个新的ST型.58个独立克隆的代表菌株中有40株可将携blaCTX-M-15的质粒传递给受体菌E.coli C600(Rif),其中大肠埃希菌有19株,肺炎克雷伯菌有21株.57.9%(11/19)的大肠埃希菌中携带blaCTX-M-15的质粒大小为65 kb,85.7%(18/21)的肺炎克雷伯菌中携带blaCTX-M-15的质粒大小为92 kb.限制性内切酶分析显示,这2种质粒属流行质粒,分别命名为p15-e和p15-k.通过PCR调查,p15-e存在blaCTX-M-15和ISEcpI;p15-k上存在blaCTX-M-15、ISEcpI、aac(6')-Ⅰ b、aac(3')-Ⅲ、blaOXA-1、qnrB、qnrS、blaDHA-1、blaTEM-1.p15-k同时被证实属于质粒不相容群FⅡ群.结论 广州地区存在携带blaCTX-M-15流行质粒的传播,且流行质粒的大小和基因结构与国外报道不同;无克隆株传播证据.

Abstract：

Objective To study the molecular characteristic of the epidemic plasmids carrying blaCTX-M-15 in Guangzhou. Methods A total of 38 strains of E. coli and 47 strains of K. pneumoniae both producing CTX-M-15 ESBLs were collected from nine hospitals in Guangzhou from 2007 to 2008. The clonal relationship of isolates carrying blaCTX-M-15 was determined by PFGE and MLST. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by microdilution test for all isolates. Conjugative plasmids carrying blaCTX-M-15 were obtained by mating and were subject to restriction analysis. PCR was used to determine phylogenetic groups of E. coli,and to study replicon type and the genetic contexts of the plasmids harboring blaCTX-M-15. Serum agglutination test was used to detect the serotype of E. coli. Results The 37 strains of E. coli were classified into 28 genotypes, while the 47 strains of K. pneumoniae were divided into 30 genotypes. ST131 was found in E. coli but not O25 serotype. Two novel-alleles of tonB and new ST were determined in K. pneumoniae. Forty out of 58 isolates represented independent genotypes have been succeeded to transfer the plasmid carrying blaCTX-M-15 to the E. coli C600(Rif) by conjugation. The sizes of plasmids carrying blaCTX-M-15 are 65 kb in 57.9% isolates of E. coli and 92 kb in 87.5% isolates of K. pneumoniae. Two epidemic plasmids were detected in E.coli and K. pneumoniae by restriction enzyme, designated p15-e and p15-k respectively. The blaCTX-M-15 and ISEcpI were identified on p15-e, and the blaCTX-M-15 ,ISEcpI,aac(6')- Ⅰ b,aac(3')-Ⅲ ,blaOXA-1 ,qnrB,qnrS,blaDHA-1 , blaTEM-1 were determined on p15-k. The p15-k also was identified to belong to the incompatible group FⅡ. Conclusion The local dissemination of blaCTX-M-15 appears to be due to the spread of epidemic plasmids harboring blaCTX-M-15. No evidence supports the dissemination of clone strains which carried blaCTX-M-15.     

Molecular mechanism of the qnrA genemediated quionlone resistance in Gram-negative bacteria

To explore the prevalence of the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance gene qnrA in Gramnegative bacteria and to investigate its molecular genetic background and resistance profile in isolates harboring this gene, a total of 629 nalidixic acid-resistant isolates of non-repetitive Gram-negative bacteria were collected from clinical specimens between April 2004 and April 2006 and these isolates were screened for qnrA gene by PCR using specific primers combined with DNA sequencing. The extended spectrum β-1actamase （ESBL） or AmpC-producing isolates were distinguished by the phenotypic confirmatory test combined with DNA sequencing, and the antibiotics susceptibility test for qnrA-positive isolates was carried out by Kirby-Bauer and E-test method. To detect the location of the qnrA gene, plasmid conjugation and Southern hybridization were performed and the integron structure containing the qnrA gene was cloned by PCR strategy and sequenced by primer walking. It was demonstrated that the incidence of the qnrA-positive strains in nalidixic acid-resistant bacteria was 1.9% （12/629）, in which the detection rates for Klebiesiella pneumoniae. Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Citrobacterfreundii and Salmonella choeraesuis were 2.2% （3/138）, 17. 1% （6/35）, 9. 1% （1/11）, 12.5% （1/8）, and 14.3% （1/7）, respectively. The qnrA gene was found to be embedded in the complex sull-type integron located on plasmids with varied size （80-180 kb）. Among them, 4 qnrA-positive isolates carried integron In37 and 8 isolates carried a novel integron, temporarily desig- nated as InX. All the qnrA-positive isolates were ESBL-producing and transferable for the multi-drug resistance. It is concluded that the plasmid-mediated drug-resistance mechanism exists in the quinolone resistant strains of isolates from hospitals in Guangdong area, but the incidence was rather low. Nevertheless, it is still possible that the horizontal transfer of the resistant qnrA gene might lead to the spreading of drug-resista     

泛耐药肺炎克雷伯菌株的医院内流行特性的研究

目的 了解华山医院泛耐药肺炎克雷伯菌株及其流行的特点.方法 收集2006年8月-2009年12月对CLSI推荐常规检测药物均耐药的肺炎克雷们菌临床分离株,共57株.所有菌株都进行药物敏感试验、超广谱β-内酰胺酶(ESBLs)初筛及表型确证试验、改良Hodge试验、等电聚焦电泳,聚合酶链反应及其产物测序、接合试验、肠杆菌基因间重复共有序列PCR(ERIC-PCR)和多位点序列分型(MLST).结果 所有菌株都携带blaKPC-2、blaCTX-M-14、blaSHV12和blaTEM-1及qnrB和aac(6')-I b-cr基因.57株细菌中ST423型5株,MIST ST11型52株.ST423型散发,而ST11型呈医院内流行.57株细菌都对替加环素耐药,对多黏菌素、米诺环素和多西环素部分敏感.结论 本次泛耐药肺炎克雷们流行主要为ST11型菌株;不同的肺炎克雷伯菌株,播散能力不同;检出泛耐药肺炎克雷伯菌时应增加检测药物的种类.     

Analysis on drug-resistance and molecular epidemiology of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from the clinical samples in two Chinese hospitals

In the present study, the drug-resistance genes encodingβ-lactamases, aminoglycoside modifying enzymes, DNA topoisomerases and integron as well as their molecular epidemiology were investigated by means of analyzing the drug-resistance and molecular epidemiology of Acinebacter bau mannii isolated from the clinical samples in two hospitals in Qiangzhou and Huzhou city of Jiangsu and Zhejiang province from July 2000 to March 2005. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of these 307 isolates were detected by automatic microbiological system, and 35 strains against 5-fluoro-quinolones were performed by agar dilution assay. Meanwhile, the resistant genes in 80 isolates were amplified by PCR with identification by DNA sequencer. It was found that most of the 307 isolates of A . baumannii were resistant to multiple antibiotics tested, in which the resistance rates of the isolates against piperacillin, piperacillin/tazobactam, amoxacillin/clavulanic acid, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefepime, gentamicin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim were all above 35% , but those of imipenem and meropenem were quite low, ranged only 2.6% and 3.3%. In addition, it was also demonstrated that the positive rates of TEM and SHVβ-lactamase genes accounted for 93.8% and 22.5% respectively, and those of the aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes including aacC1, aacC2, aacC3, aacC4, aacC4A, aphA6, ant(2")-I and ant(3") I were 58.8%, 8.8%, 7.5%, 28.8%, 45.0%, 2.5%, 28.8% and 65.0% respectively. The mutations in the quinolone-resistant determining region (QRDR) of gyrA and parC genes indicated that substitution in Ser-83 residue of GyrA protein was most frequently occurred among strains with MIC for ciprofloxacin of more than 4μg/ml, whereas a double mutation at Ser-83 residue of gyrA and Ser-80 of parC was found in strains with MIC of ciprofloxacin of more than 8μg/ml. As to the positive rates of class 1 integron (Int I -1) and qacE△1-sul-1, it was found to be 60.0% and 77.5% respectively, and the rates of resistant genes of strains isolated in these two hospitals varied considerably. The results obtained in the present study indicate the presence of the multiple resistant genes in strains of A. baumannii , and great measures should be taken to control the spread of the resistant strains carrying the resistant genes.     

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.     

同一标本分离的2株碳青霉烯类耐药肠杆菌科细菌耐药机制相关性分析

目的 对从同一标本中分离的碳青霉烯类药物耐药的肺炎克雷伯菌和摩根摩根菌进行耐药机制相关性分析.方法 琼脂稀释法进行药物敏感试验;特异性PCR扩增和序列分析检测介导耐碳青霉烯类药物的相关基因;接合试验、质粒提取和耐药基因周围序列分析耐药的可传递性、耐药质粒的同源性及耐药基因的遗传背景;提取外膜蛋白分析菌株外膜蛋白的改变.结果 2株分离菌均产碳青霉烯酶并扩增出介导碳青霉烯类耐药的KPC-2型基因;质粒接合试验成功传递了对碳青霉烯类药物的耐药性,耐药基因被携带在2个大小不同但耐药基因周围序列完全相同的质粒上;其中摩根摩根菌耐药株缺失了相对分子质量约为38×103的外膜蛋白同时出现36×103的外膜蛋白而肺炎克雷伯菌则缺失了外膜蛋白OMPK36.结论 2株分离菌均携带KPC-2基因.该基因由2个大小不同的质粒携带,同一复合转座子介导了KPC-2基因在2株细菌的不同质粒上转移.同时外膜蛋白缺失参与了对碳青霉烯类抗生素耐药.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the relationship of resistance mechanisms of a Klebsiella pneumoniae strain and a Morganella morganii strain resistance to carbapenems isolated from a single specimen. Methods Sensibility of antimicrobial agents was detected by agar dilution method. Specific PCR and DNA sequence analysis were performed to detect resistance genes. Plasmid feature was detected by plasmid conjugation and electrophoresis analysis. Genetic environment around blaKPC was analyzed with sequencing. The changes of outer membrane permeability were analyzed with electrophoresis of outer membrane proteins. Results blaKPC-2 was detected in 2 original isolates strains and their transconjugants. Carbapenem-resistance was successfully transfered by conjugation experiments. blaKPC-2 was located on dissimilar plasmids, but genetic environment around blaKPC-2 was the same sequence. The Morganella morganii isolate showed a loss of 38 ×103 OMPs and an additional 36 ×103 OMPs appearance, while the Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate showed a loss of OMPK36. Conclusion blaKPC-2 was detected in 2 isolates. This gene encoded by two plasmids with different sizes was located on the same composite transposon. The lack of outer membrane proteins could also play an important role causing isolates to exhibite resistance to carbapenems.     

Correlation of the antiseptic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii and the antiseptic resistance gene qacE Δ 1 located in class Ⅰ integron

In the past decade, uses of antiseptics and disinfectants in hospitals and other health care centers are rather common, but the chance to develop resistance to antiseptics and disinfectants is also increased. Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the opportunistic bacteria involving in the nosocomial infection . In the present study, the correlation of the antiseptic resistance in A . baumannii and the antiseptic resistance gene qacEΔ1 was investigated by means of determination of MICs. Meanwhile, the MICs of glutaraldehyde, chlorhexidine, benzalkonium bromide, iodophor and trichloroisocyanurate to 80 clinical isolates of A. baumannii were detected by tube dilution assay and the resistance genes intI1 and qacEΔ1 in these isolates were amplified by PCR and verified by DNA sequencer. It was found that the MIC50 for these 5 antiseptics tested were 32, 8, 8, 4 and 1μg/ml respectively, and the detection rates of intI1 and qacEΔ1 gene were 60.0% and 77.6% respectively. In addition, 55% of the 80 isolates simultaneously possessed both intll and qacEΔ1 gene, and the percentage of antiseptic resistance of A . baumannii carring both genes to benzalkonium bromide were higher than that without these two genes, however, there was no significant difference between intll and qacEΔ1 gene. The result in bactericidal efficiency assay indicated that chlorhexidine could still produce rapid and strong bactericidal effect at concentration of 1 MIC after 10 min exposure. These results suggest that the antiseptic resistance of A . baumannii to various antiseptics is correlated with the presence of the antiseptic resistance genes qacEΔ1 in bacteria, thus warning that the increase of the antiseptic resistance should not be ignored and the relative high concentration or prolonged application time is required to achieve a sufficient bactericidal effect.     

解脲脲原体生物被膜形成与耐药性的相关性研究

目的 研究解脲脲原体(Ureaplasma urealyticum,Uu)标准株及临床分离株体外形成生物被膜的能力及游离状态与形成生物被膜后药物敏感性的差异.方法 对Uu标准株3、8血清型(Uu3、Uu8)及从女性患者宫颈中分离鉴定的21株Uu临床株进行体外培养后,扫描电镜、激光共聚焦显微镜鉴定生物被膜形成,并在生物被膜形成前后进行约敏测定(四环素、红霉素、环丙沙星).配对秩和检验及x2检验分别比较Uu游离状态及形成生物被膜后最低抑菌浓度间及耐药率间的差异.结果 Uu3、Uu8及21株Uu临床株均具有体外形成生物被膜的能力.Uu形成牛物被膜后对四环素、红霉素及环丙沙星的最低抑菌浓度较游离状态明显增高(P<0.001).Uu形成生物被膜后对红霉素及环丙沙星的耐药率增高具有统计学意义(P值分别为<0.001及0.035),但对四环素的耐药率增高无统计学意义(P=0.293).结论 Uu标准株及临床株均具有体外形成生物被膜的能力,Uu形成生物被膜后对抗菌素的抵抗力增加,出现了多重耐药现象.

Abstract：

Objective To study the ability of standard strain and clinical isolates of Ureaplasma spp. to form biofilms in vitro and to compare the antibiotic susceptibility of sessile cells and their planktonic counterparts. Methods A total of 21 Ureaplasma wealyticum(Uu) isolates recovered from female patients diagnosed with cervicitis and Uu serovar 3 and Uu serovar 8( Uu3, Uu8) were included. Scanning electron microscope and confocal scanning laser microscopy were used to identify biofilm formation. Conventional antibiotic susceptibility tests and biofilm susceptibility assays for tetracycline, erythromycin and ciprofloxacin were carried out. The paired rank sum test and was applied to analyze the statistical differences between the MIC and the minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration. The x2 test was applied to analyze the statistical differences of global resistance percentages between planktonic cells and sessile cells. Results Uu3, Uu8 and 21 Uu isolates all can form biofilms in vitro. Minimal inhibitory concentration of sessile cells compared with planktonic cells were obviously higher for tetracycline, erythromycin and ciprofloxacin (P <0.001). Global resistance percentages between planktonic cells and sessile cells were different for erythromycin (9.52% vs 61.90% , P < 0. 001), ciprofloxacin ( 80. 95% vs 100% , P = 0. 035 ) and tetracycline (4. 76% vs 14.29% , P =0.293). Conclusion Uu isolates and Uu1, Uu8 all can form biofilms in vitro, and biofilm formation can strengthen resistance of Uu to antibiotics, even multidrug resistance was observed.     

bla KPC and rmtB on a single plasmid in Enterobacter amnigenus and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from the same patient

Enterobacter amnigenus (EA76) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP76) isolates with multidrug-resistant (MDR) patterns were identified from the same patient in the neurosurgery department of our hospital. An outbreak of MDR K. pneumoniae had also occurred in this department. To characterize the resistance mechanism and molecular epidemiology of these isolates, sequential experiments including antimicrobial susceptibility testing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), plasmid analysis, pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were performed. EA76 and KP76 were resistant to all of the antibiotics tested, except colistin and tigecycline. blaKPC-2, blaTEM-1, blaSHV-12, blaCTX-M-3, blaCTX-M-14, and rmtB genes were identified in both isolates, with blaKPC-2, blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M-14, and rmtB being co-carried on one plasmid in each isolate. Further analysis showed different restriction patterns between the two KPC-carrying plasmids. Of the 11 carbapenem-resistant isolates found in the outbreak, all were resistant to all of the β-lactams tested, with 63.64% (7/11) also exhibiting resistance to aminoglycosides and 72.73% (8/11) exhibiting resistance to quinolones. PCR analysis and molecular typing of the 11 K. pneumoniae strains revealed that the seven aminoglycoside-resistant isolates shared the same antibiotic-resistant gene pattern and identical or one-band-difference PFGE profiles relative to KP76. In addition, all of the eight aminoglycoside-resistant isolates, including KP76, belonged to the national epidemic clone ST11. The overall results indicate the emergence of E. amnigenus and outbreak of ST11 K. pneumoniae, with both co-harboring blaKPC and rmtB genes on a single plasmid in our neurosurgery wards.     

Clonal dissemination of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in a Korean hospital

In this study, we investigated the molecular characteristics of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates that were recovered from an outbreak in a Korean hospital. A new multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for K. pneumoniae based on five housekeeping genes was developed and was evaluated for 43 ESBL-producing isolates from an outbreak as well as 38 surveillance isolates from Korea and also a reference strain. Overall, a total of 37 sequence types (STs) and six clonal complexes (CCs) were identified among the 82 K. pneumoniae isolates. The result of MLST analysis was concordant with that of pulsedfield gel electrophoresis. Most of the outbreak isolates belonged to a certain clone (ST2), and they produced SHV-1 and CTX-M14 enzymes, which was a different feature from that of the K. pneumoniae isolates from other Korean hospitals (ST20 and SHV-12). We also found a different distribution of CCs between ESBL-producing and -nonproducing K. pneumoniae isolates. The MLST method we developed in this study could provide unambiguous and well-resolved data for the epidemiologic study of K. pneumoniae. The outbreak isolates showed different molecular characteristics from the other K. pneumoniae isolates from other Korean hospitals.     

Molecular typing and virulence analysis of serotype K1 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from liver abscess patients and stool samples from noninfectious subjects in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan

Serotype K1 Klebsiella pneumoniae with multilocus sequence type 23 (ST23) has been strongly associated with liver abscess in Taiwan. Few data regarding the strain types and virulence of this serotype from other Asian countries are available. Serotype K1 K. pneumoniae strains isolated from liver abscess and stool samples from subjects hospitalized in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan hospitals were examined. Forty-seven serotype K1 isolates were identified: 26 from liver abscess samples and 21 from stool samples. MLST revealed 7 sequence types: 85.1% (40 of 47 isolates) belonged to ST23, 1 isolate belonged to ST163 (a single-locus variant of ST23), and 2 isolates were ST249 (a 3-locus variant of ST23). New STs, namely, ST367, ST425, and ST426, were allocated to 3 of 4 isolates from stool samples. The virulence of these strains was determined by neutrophil phagocytosis and mouse infection models. Except for two ST23 isolates, all Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were resistant to phagocytosis. Resistance to serum killing varied in isolates of ST23, while all non-ST23 strains were susceptible to serum killing except one with ST249 from a liver abscess. All hypervirulent isolates with a 50% lethal dose of <10(2) CFU were from ST23, were resistant to phagocytosis and serum killing, and also carried both virulence-associated genes, rmpA and aerobactin. Multilocus sequence typing genotype 23 was the most prevalent sequence type among serotype K1 K. pneumoniae isolates from both liver abscess and stool samples in the Asia Pacific region. Serotype K1 K. pneumoniae isolates with capsule expression leading to phagocytic resistance and with the aerobactin gene were associated with hypervirulence.     

First outbreak of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae producing both SHV-12-type extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and DHA-1-type AmpC beta-lactamase at a Korean hospital

PURPOSE: Coexistence of different classes of beta-lactamases in a single bacterial isolate may pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We investigated a spread of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates co-producing an AmpC beta-lactamase and an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) in a university hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a three-month period, a total of 11 K. pneumoniae isolates, which exhibited resistance to cefotaxime, aztreonam, and cefoxitin, were isolated. These isolates showed positive to ESBLs by double disk tests. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth microdilution testing. All isolates were examined by isoelectric focusing, PCR and sequence analysis to identify bla(SHV) and bla(DHA), and molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). RESULTS: All 11 isolates were highly resistant (MIC, > or = 128microg/ml) to ceftazidime, aztreonam, and cefoxitin, while they were susceptible (MIC, < or = 2microg/ml) to imipenem. The bla(SHV-12) and bla(DHA-1) genes were detected by PCR and sequence analysis. PFGE revealed a similar pattern in 10 of the 11 strains tested. CONCLUSION: This is the first outbreak report of K. pneumoniae in Korea which co-produced SHV-12 and DHA-1 beta-lactamase, and we suggest a clonal spread of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae at a hospital.     

Allocation of Klebsiella pneumoniae Bloodstream Isolates into Four Distinct Groups by ompK36 Typing in a Taiwanese University Hospital

The OmpK36 porin plays a role in carbapenem resistance and may contribute to bacterial virulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of different groups of K. pneumoniae separated by ompK36 typing. Among 226 nonduplicate K. pneumoniae bloodstream isolates collected at a Taiwanese hospital in 2011, four ompK36 types, designated types A, B, C, and D, were identified by PCR in 61, 28, 100, and 36 isolates, respectively; 1 isolate was untypeable. Statistical analysis showed significantly higher rates of antimicrobial resistance (all tested antibiotics except meropenem), extended-spectrum β-lactamases or DHA-1 (47.5% together), Qnr-type quinolone resistance determinants (50.8%), and IncFIIA-type plasmids (49.2%) in group A than in others. Seventeen isolates were identified as belonging to 3 international high-risk clones (4 sequence type 11 [ST11], 10 ST15, and 3 ST147 isolates); all isolates but 1 ST15 isolate were classified in group A. The significant characteristics of group C were hypermucoviscosity (62.0%) and a higher virulence gene content. This group included all serotype K1 (n = 30), K2 (n = 25), and K5 (n = 3) isolates, 6 of 7 K57 isolates, all isolates of major clones associated with pyogenic liver abscesses (29 ST23, 11 ST65, 5 ST86, 7 ST373, and 1 ST375 isolates), and 16 (94.1%) of 17 isolates causing bacteremic liver abscesses. Twelve (42.9%) of the group B isolates were responsible for bacteremic biliary tract infections. Group D was predominant (83.3%) among 12 K20 isolates. This study suggests that most clinical K. pneumoniae isolates can be allocated into four groups with distinct characteristics based on ompK36 types.     

Containment of an outbreak of KPC-3-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Italy

From March 2009 to May 2009, 24 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were recovered from 16 patients hospitalized in an Italian intensive care unit (ICU). All isolates contained KPC-3 carbapenemase and belonged to a single pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) clone of multilocus sequence type 258 (designated as ST258). A multimodal infection control program was put into effect, and the spread of the KPC-3-producing K. pneumoniae clone was ultimately controlled without closing the ICU to new admissions. Reinforced infection control measures and strict monitoring of the staff adherence were necessary for the control of the outbreak.     

A nosocomial outbreak of KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Chinese hospital: dissemination of ST11 and emergence of ST37, ST392 and ST395

In China, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) -producing K. pneumoniae isolates have been identified. However, little is known about the spread and outbreak of KPC-producing enterobacterial pathogens. In this study, 48 non-duplicated KPC-producing isolates were analysed for genetic relatedness by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), antimicrobial susceptibility by E-test, and sequence type (ST) by multilocus sequence typing. S1-PFGE and Southern blot were used for plasmid profiling, and PCR and subsequent sequencing were performed to determine the effects of genetic background on the blaKPC gene. From December 2011 to June 2012, an outbreak of the KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae was observed. The 48 isolates of K. pneumoniae are categorized into eight PFGE types (A1, A2, A3, A4, B, C, D and E). The predominant pathogens of the outbreak were strains with PFGE types A1, A2 and A3, which all belong to ST11. Furthermore, ST37, ST392 and ST395 KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae isolates have also been sporadically identified. The blaKPC-2-carrying plasmids vary in size from 30 to 220 kb. The genetic environments of the blaKPC-2 gene for most strains were consistent with the genetic structure of blaKPC-2 on the plasmid pKP048. In conclusion, the dissemination and outbreak of KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae isolates in this study appeared to be clonal, and ST11 K. pneumoniae was the predominant clone attributed to the outbreak. This is the first study to report the emergence and spread of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae ST392 and ST395 worldwide. Our findings suggest that horizontal transfer of Tn3-based transposons might mediate the spread of blaKPC-2 gene between different K. pneumoniae clones in China.     

Nosocomial outbreak of septicaemia in neonatal intensive care unit due to extended spectrum β-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae showing multiple mechanisms of drug resistance

A total of 14 phenotypically similar clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, resistant to multiple drugs including cefotaxime and ceftazidime, were isolated from blood of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) within a short span of 10 days. Alarmed at the possibility of occurrence of outbreak, a thorough investigation was done. Microbiological sampling of the NICU and labour room (LR) environment yielded 12 K. pneumoniae isolates. The presence of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) in the clinical and environmental strains was detected by double-disk synergy test (DDST), CLSI phenotypic confirmatory disk diffusion test (PCDDT) and E-test ESBL strips. Amp-C screen (disk) test was done to determine Amp-C β-lactamase production. 100% clinical strains, 57% NICU strains and 80% LR strains were ESBL positive. 57% clinical, 43% NICU and 20% LR strains were Amp-C screen positive. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of representative ESBL positive (10 clinical and 5 environmental) strains showed CTX gene and TEM and/or SHV gene in all. K. pneumoniae showing multiple mechanisms of drug resistance was responsible for the outbreak.