Outbreaks in distinct regions due to a single Klebsiella pneumoniae clone carrying a bla VIM-1 metallo-{beta}-lactamase gene

J Clin Microbiol. 2005 Oct;43(10):5344-7. doi: 10.1128/JCM.43.10.5344-5347.2005.

Abstract

From December 2004 to March 2005, 27 Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates that were positive by the imipenem-EDTA double-disk synergy test and that exhibited a single macro-restriction pattern were recovered in two distinct Greek hospitals. The isolates carried a transferable bla(VIM-1) metallo-beta-lactamase gene in a class 1 integron. Reverse transcriptase PCR showed that the gene was similarly expressed in low- and high-level carbapenem-resistant isolates, indicating the existence of additional resistance mechanisms. The clonal spread of VIM-1-producing K. pneumoniae strains in distinct regions where up to now bla(VIM-2) and bla(VIM-4) alleles were common is worrisome.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Carbapenems / pharmacology
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Greece / epidemiology
  • Klebsiella Infections / epidemiology*
  • Klebsiella Infections / microbiology
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / drug effects*
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / genetics
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • beta-Lactam Resistance
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics
  • beta-Lactamases / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Carbapenems
  • VIM-1 metallo-beta-lactamase
  • beta-Lactamases