Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase

Klebsiella is a type of Gram-negative bacteria that can cause different types of healthcare-associated infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis. KPC are a group of emerging strains that are highly resistant to a class of antibiotics known as carbapenems – carbapenem antibiotics often are the last line of defense against Gram-negative infections that are resistant to other antibiotics. Klebsiella species are examples of Enterobacterales, a normal part of the human gut bacteria, and healthy people usually do not get Klebsiella infections. In healthcare settings though, Klebsiella infections can cause significant morbidity and mortality in sick patients who acquire an infection through person-to-person contact or through infected medical equipment. Diagnosing KPC antimicrobial resistance involves testing a sample of the bacterium to determine its susceptibility to antibiotics. This can be done using laboratory techniques such as bacterial culture and susceptibility testing. In some cases, rapid diagnostic tests may also be used to quickly identify KPC and determine its resistance profile. It is important to accurately diagnose KPC antimicrobial resistance in order to effectively treat infections and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.