Molecular epidemiology of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae over a 10 year period in Calgary, Canada

Molecular epidemiology and pathogenomics of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing- Escherichia coli and - Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from bulk tank milk in Tennessee, USA

Introduction

The rise in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in dairy cattle farms poses a risk to human health as they can spread to humans through the food chain, including raw milk. This study was designed to determine the status, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogenic potential of ESBL-producing -E. coli and -Klebsiella spp. isolates from bulk tank milk (BTM).

Methods

Thirty-three BTM samples were collected from 17 dairy farms and screened for ESBL-E. coli and -Klebsiella spp. on CHROMagar ESBL plates. All isolates were confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing (WGS).

Results

Ten presumptive ESBL-producing bacteria, eight E. coli, and two K. pneumoniae were isolated. The prevalence of ESBL-E. coli and -K. pneumoniae in BTM was 21.2% and 6.1%, respectively. ESBL-E. coli were detected in 41.2% of the study farms. Seven of the ESBL-E. coli isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). The two ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone. Seven ESBL-E. coli strains carry the blaCTX-M gene, and five of them co-harbored blaTEM-1. ESBL-E. coli co-harbored blaCTX-M with other resistance genes, including qnrB19, tet(A), aadA1, aph(3'')-Ib, aph(6)-Id), floR, sul2, and chromosomal mutations (gyrA, gyrB, parC, parE, and pmrB). Most E. coli resistance genes were associated with mobile genetic elements, mainly plasmids. Six sequence types (STs) of E. coli were detected. All ESBL-E. coli were predicted to be pathogenic to humans. Four STs (three ST10 and ST69) were high-risk clones of E. coli. Up to 40 virulence markers were detected in all E. coli isolates. One of the K. pneumoniae was ST867; the other was novel strain. K. pneumoniae isolates carried three types of beta-lactamase genes (blaCTX-M, blaTEM-1 and blaSHV). The novel K. pneumoniae ST also carried a novel IncFII(K) plasmid ST.

Conclusion

Detection of high-risk clones of MDR ESBL-E. coli and ESBL-K. pneumoniae in BTM indicates that raw milk could be a reservoir of potentially zoonotic ESBL-E. coli and -K. pneumoniae.

Beta-lactam Resistance Profile among Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates from Alexandria, Egypt

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major drug-resistant human pathogen accountable for a wide range of infections. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the phenotypic and genotypic features of β-lactamase-producing K. pneumoniae clinical isolates from Alexandria, Egypt. A total of 50 nonduplicated clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae were obtained from various specimens. They were identified biochemically and by biotyping using mass spectrometry. For molecular characterization, plasmid profile analysis was performed. Screening for extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), carbapenemases and AmpC production was carried out phenotypically and genotypically. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between phenotype, genotype and resistance patterns among the studied isolates. The dendrogram demonstrated 38 distinct plasmid profiles among 62% of our isolates. According to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, 90% of isolates were multi/extensive-drug resistant. Nineteen out of 50 (38%) were resistant to cefoxitin, while only 10 (20%) were resistant to imipenem. All isolates were susceptible to colistin. Phenotypically, ESBL producers (78%) were the most common, followed by carbapenemase producers (24%). Genotypically, the most common ESBL gene was blaSHV (90%), followed by blaCTX-Mu (74%), while the most common carbapenemase genes were blaNDM (56%) and blaOXA-48 (54%). No blaKPC or blaIMP were detected. Plasmid-mediated AmpC resistance was confirmed in only two out of 19 cefoxitin-resistant isolates. Both the blaNDM and blaOXA.48 genes were significantly positive correlated (rho = 0.56, p = 0.004). Absence of blaKPC among carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae isolates in Alexandria, Egypt. AmpC production is not the main factor behind the resistance to cefoxitin among our isolates.

Prevalence and clonal diversity of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae causing neonatal infections: A systematic review of 128 articles across 30 countries

BACKGROUND

Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most common pathogen causing neonatal infections, leading to high mortality worldwide. Along with increasing antimicrobial use in neonates, carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) has emerged as a severe challenge for infection control and treatment. However, no comprehensive systematic review is available to describe the global epidemiology of neonatal CRKP infections. We therefore performed a systematic review of available data worldwide and combined a genome-based analysis to address the prevalence, clonal diversity, and carbapenem resistance genes of CRKP causing neonatal infections.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We performed a systematic review of studies reporting population-based neonatal infections caused by CRKP in combination with a genome-based analysis of all publicly available CRKP genomes with neonatal origins. We searched multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane, bioRxiv, and medRxiv) to identify studies that have reported data of neonatal CRKP infections up to June 30, 2022. We included studies addressing the prevalence of CRKP infections and colonization in neonates but excluded studies lacking the numbers of neonates, the geographical location, or independent data on Klebsiella or CRKP isolates. We used narrative synthesis for pooling data with JMP statistical software. We identified 8,558 articles and excluding those that did not meet inclusion criteria. We included 128 studies, none of which were preprints, comprising 127,583 neonates in 30 countries including 21 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for analysis. We found that bloodstream infection is the most common infection type in reported data. We estimated that the pooled global prevalence of CRKP infections in hospitalized neonates was 0.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2% to 0.3%). Based on 21 studies reporting patient outcomes, we found that the pooled mortality of neonatal CRKP infections was 22.9% (95% CI, 13.0% to 32.9%). A total of 535 neonatal CRKP genomes were identified from GenBank including Sequence Read Archive, of which 204 were not linked to any publications. We incorporated the 204 genomes with a literature review for understanding the species distribution, clonal diversity, and carbapenemase types. We identified 146 sequence types (STs) for neonatal CRKP strains and found that ST17, ST11, and ST15 were the 3 most common lineages. In particular, ST17 CRKP has been seen in neonates in 8 countries across 4 continents. The vast majority (75.3%) of the 1,592 neonatal CRKP strains available for analyzing carbapenemase have genes encoding metallo-β-lactamases and NDM (New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase) appeared to be the most common carbapenemase (64.3%). The main limitation of this study is the absence or scarcity of data from North America, South America, and Oceania.

CONCLUSIONS

CRKP contributes to a considerable number of neonatal infections and leads to significant neonatal mortality. Neonatal CRKP strains are highly diverse, while ST17 is globally prevalent and merits early detection for treatment and prevention. The dominance of blaNDM carbapenemase genes imposes challenges on therapeutic options in neonates and supports the continued inhibitor-related drug discovery.

Characterization of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella: a role for AmpC-producing isolates

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the role of AmpC enzymes in carbapenem resistance among AmpC/extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. Methods: Fifty-six bacterial strains that were AmpC producers were examined. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by the disk diffusion and E-test. The prevalence of the plasmid carbapenemase was determined using PCR. Results: The resistance to meropenem in the AmpC⁺/ESBL⁺ group was 64%, higher than that reported for the AmpC^-/ESBL⁺ group. Ten isolates of the carbapenem-resistant AmpC producers were negative for carbapenemase-encoding genes. Conclusion: Carbapenem resistance among AmpC-producing isolates with negative results for carbapenemase-encoding genes potentially demonstrates the role of AmpC enzymes among these isolates.

Evaluation of Retail Meat as a Source of ESBL Escherichia coli in Tamaulipas, Mexico

In recent decades, the appearance of a group of strains resistant to most β-lactam antibiotics, called extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), has greatly impacted the public health sector. The present work aimed to identify the prevalence of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli strains in retail meat from northeast Tamaulipas. A total of 228 meat samples were obtained from 76 different stores. A prevalence of E. coli ESBL of 6.5% (15/228) was detected. All (15/15) of the ESBL strains were multiresistant. Altogether, 40% (6/15) of the strains showed the presence of class 1 integrons. The isolates identified with bla_CTX-M (20%) also showed co-resistance with the tet (A and B), str (A and B), and sul (2 and 3) genes. A total of 20% of the strains belonged to the B2 and D phylogroups, which are considered pathogenic groups. None of the ESBL-positive strains contained any of the virulence gene factors tested. The presence of ESBL-producing E. coli strains in meat indicates a potential risk to the consumer. Although most of these strains were classified as commensals, they were found to serve as reservoirs of multiresistance to antimicrobials and, therefore, are potential routes of dispersion of this resistance to other bacteria.

Geno- and Phenotypic Characteristics of a Klebsiella pneumoniae ST20 Isolate with Unusual Colony Morphology

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common member of the intestinal flora of vertebrates. In addition to opportunistic representatives, hypervirulent (hvKp) and antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae (ABR-Kp) occur. While ABR-Kp isolates often cause difficult-to-treat diseases due to limited therapeutic options, hvKp is a pathotype that can infect healthy individuals often leading to recurrent infection. Here, we investigated the clinical K. pneumoniae isolate PBIO3459 obtained from a blood sample, which showed an unusual colony morphology. By combining whole-genome and RNA sequencing with multiple in vitro and in vivo virulence-associated assays, we aimed to define the respective Klebsiella subtype and explore the unusual phenotypic appearance. We demonstrate that PBIO3459 belongs to sequence type (ST)20 and carries no acquired resistance genes, consistent with phenotypic susceptibility tests. In addition, the isolate showed low-level virulence, both at genetic and phenotypic levels. We thus suggest that PBIO3459 is an opportunistic (commensal) K. pneumoniae isolate. Genomic comparison of PBIO3459 with closely related ABR-Kp ST20 isolates revealed that they differed only in resistance genes. Finally, the unusual colony morphology was mainly associated with carbohydrate and amino acid transport and metabolism. In conclusion, our study reveals the characteristics of a Klebsiella sepsis isolate and suggests that opportunistic representatives likely acquire and accumulate antibiotic resistances that subsequently enable their emergence as ABR-Kp pathogens.

Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases Producing Enterobacteriaceae in the USA Dairy Cattle Farms and Implications for Public Health

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top global health threats of the 21th century. Recent studies are increasingly reporting the rise in extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBLs-Ent) in dairy cattle and humans in the USA. The causes of the increased prevalence of ESBLs-Ent infections in humans and commensal ESBLs-Ent in dairy cattle farms are mostly unknown. However, the extensive use of beta-lactam antibiotics, especially third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs) in dairy farms and human health, can be implicated as a major driver for the rise in ESBLs-Ent. The rise in ESBLs-Ent, particularly ESBLs-Escherichia coli and ESBLs-Klebsiella species in the USA dairy cattle is not only an animal health issue but also a serious public health concern. The ESBLs-E. coli and -Klebsiella spp. can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with carrier animals or indirectly through the food chain or via the environment. The USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports also showed continuous increase in community-associated human infections caused by ESBLs-Ent. Some studies attributed the elevated prevalence of ESBLs-Ent infections in humans to the frequent use of 3GCs in dairy farms. However, the status of ESBLs-Ent in dairy cattle and their contribution to human infections caused by ESBLs-producing enteric bacteria in the USA is the subject of further study. The aims of this review are to give in-depth insights into the status of ESBL-Ent in the USA dairy farms and its implication for public health and to highlight some critical research gaps that need to be addressed.

ESBL-positive Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from across Canada: CANWARD surveillance study, 2007-18

OBJECTIVES

ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are pathogens of increasing importance in Canada and elsewhere in the world. The purpose of this study was to phenotypically and molecularly characterize ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae clinical isolates obtained from patients attending Canadian hospitals over a 12 year period.

METHODS

Isolates were collected between January 2007 and December 2018 as part of an ongoing national surveillance study (CANWARD). ESBL production was confirmed using the CLSI (M100) phenotypic method. Susceptibility testing was carried out using custom broth microdilution panels, and all isolates underwent WGS.

RESULTS

In total, 671 E. coli and 141 K. pneumoniae were confirmed to be ESBL producers. The annual proportion of ESBL-producing isolates increased for both E. coli (from 3.3% in 2007 to 11.2% in 2018; P < 0.0001) and K. pneumoniae (from 1.3% in 2007 to 9.3% in 2018; P < 0.0001). The most frequent STs were ST131 for E. coli [62.4% (419/671) of isolates] and ST11 [7.8% (11/141)] and ST147 [7.8% (11/141)] for K. pneumoniae. Overall, 97.2% of ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates were MDR. blaCTX-M-15 predominated in both ESBL-producing E. coli (62.3% of isolates) and ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae (48.9% of isolates).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of ESBL-producing E. coli, especially ST131, and K. pneumoniae, especially ST11 and ST147, in Canada increased significantly from 2007 to 2018. Continued prospective surveillance of these evolving MDR and at times XDR pathogens is imperative.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases: an update on their characteristics, epidemiology and detection

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative pathogens are a major cause of resistance to expanded-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics. Since their discovery in the early 1980s, they have spread worldwide and an are now endemic in Enterobacterales isolated from both hospital-associated and community-acquired infections. As a result, they are a global public health concern. In the past, TEM- and SHV-type ESBLs were the predominant families of ESBLs. Today CTX-M-type enzymes are the most commonly found ESBL type with the CTX-M-15 variant dominating worldwide, followed in prevalence by CTX-M-14, and CTX-M-27 is emerging in certain parts of the world. The genes encoding ESBLs are often found on plasmids and harboured within transposons or insertion sequences, which has enabled their spread. In addition, the population of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli is dominated globally by a highly virulent and successful clone belonging to ST131. Today, there are many diagnostic tools available to the clinical microbiology laboratory and include both phenotypic and genotypic tests to detect β-lactamases. Unfortunately, when ESBLs are not identified in a timely manner, appropriate antimicrobial therapy is frequently delayed, resulting in poor clinical outcomes. Several analyses of clinical trials have shown mixed results with regards to whether a carbapenem must be used to treat serious infections caused by ESBLs or whether some of the older β-lactam-β-lactamase combinations such as piperacillin/tazobactam are appropriate. Some of the newer combinations such as ceftazidime/avibactam have demonstrated efficacy in patients. ESBL-producing Gram-negative pathogens will continue to be major contributor to antimicrobial resistance worldwide. It is essential that we remain vigilant about identifying them both in patient isolates and through surveillance studies.

Heavy Metal Tolerance Trend in Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Encoding Strains Recovered from Food Samples

This study evaluates bacteriological profiles in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and assesses antibiotic resistance, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production by gram-negative bacteria, and heavy metal tolerance. In total, 436 retail food samples were collected and cultured. The isolates were screened for ESBL production and molecular detection of ESBL-encoding genes. Furthermore, all isolates were evaluated for heavy metal tolerance. From 352 culture-positive samples, 406 g-negative bacteria were identified. Raw food samples were more often contaminated than refined food (84.71% vs. 76.32%). The predominant isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 76), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 58), and Escherichia coli (n = 56). Overall, the percentage of ESBL producers was higher in raw food samples, although higher occurrences of ESBL-producing E. coli (p = 0.01) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p = 0.02) were observed in processed food samples. However, the prevalence of ESBL-producing Citrobacter freundii in raw food samples was high (p = 0.03). Among the isolates, 55% were bla_CTX-M, 26% were bla_SHV, and 19% were bla_TEM. Notably, heavy metal resistance was highly prevalent in ESBL producers. These findings demonstrate that retail food samples are exposed to contaminants including antibiotics and heavy metals, endangering consumers.

High Colonization Rate and Heterogeneity of ESBL- and Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Gull Feces in Lisbon, Portugal

In order to evaluate whether seagulls living on the Lisbon coastline, Portugal, might be colonized and consequently represent potential spreaders of multidrug-resistant bacteria, a total of 88 gull fecal samples were screened for detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and for vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). A large proportion of samples yielded carbapenemase- or ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (16% and 55%, respectively), while only two MRSA and two VRE were detected. Mating-out assays followed by PCR and whole-plasmid sequencing allowed to identify carbapenemase and ESBL encoding genes. Among 24 carbapenemase-producing isolates, there were mainly Klebsiella pneumoniae (50%) and Escherichia coli (33%). OXA-181 was the most common carbapenemase identified (54%), followed by OXA-48 (25%) and KPC-2 (17%). Ten different ESBLs were found among 62 ESBL-producing isolates, mainly being CTX-M-type enzymes (87%). Co-occurrence in single samples of multiple ESBL- and carbapenemase producers belonging to different bacterial species was observed in some cases. Seagulls constitute an important source for spreading multidrug-resistant bacteria in the environment and their gut microbiota a formidable microenvironment for transfer of resistance genes within bacterial species.

Emerging Antimicrobial-Resistant High-Risk Klebsiella pneumoniae Clones ST307 and ST147

There is an enormous global public health burden due to antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Klebsiella pneumoniae high-risk clones. K. pneumoniae ST307 and ST147 are recent additions to the family of successful clones in the species. Both clones likely emerged in Europe during the early to mid-1990s and, in a relatively short time, became prominent global pathogens, spreading to all continents (with the exception of Antarctica). ST307 and ST147 consist of multiple clades/clusters and are associated with various carbapenemases (i.e., KPCs, NDMs, OXA-48-like, and VIMs). ST307 is endemic in Italy, Colombia, the United States (Texas), and South Africa, while ST147 is endemic in India, Italy, Greece, and certain North African countries. Both clones have been introduced into regions of nonendemicity, leading to worldwide nosocomial outbreaks. Genomic studies showed ST307 and ST147 contain identical gyrA and parC mutations and likely obtained plasmids with bla _CTX-M-15 during the early to mid-2000s, which aided in their global distribution. ST307 and ST147 then acquired plasmids with various carbapenemases during the late 2000s, establishing themselves as important AMR pathogens in certain regions. Both clones are likely underreported due to restricted detection methodologies. ST307 and ST147 have the ability to become major threats to public health due to their worldwide distribution, ability to cause serious infections, and association with AMR, including panresistance. The medical community at large, especially those concerned with antimicrobial resistance, should be aware of the looming threat posed by emerging AMR high-risk clones such as K. pneumoniae ST307 and ST147.

Dramatic rise in the proportion of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae among clinical isolates identified in Canadian hospital laboratories from 2007 to 2016

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibilities and molecular characteristics of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae infecting patients receiving care in Canadian hospitals from January 2007 to December 2016.

METHODS

Clinical isolates of E. coli (n = 8387) and K. pneumoniae (n = 2623) submitted to CANWARD, an ongoing Canadian national surveillance study, were tested using the CLSI reference broth microdilution method to determine their susceptibility to 15 antimicrobial agents. ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae confirmed by the CLSI phenotypic method and putative AmpC-producing E. coli underwent PCR testing and DNA sequencing to identify resistance genes. Annual proportions of isolates harbouring ESBL and AmpC genes were assessed by the Cochran-Armitage test of trend.

RESULTS

The annual proportion of isolates of E. coli that were ESBL producing increased from 3.4% in 2007 to 11.1% in 2016 (P < 0.0001); >95% of ESBL-producing E. coli were susceptible to amikacin, colistin, ertapenem, meropenem and tigecycline. The proportion of isolates of K. pneumoniae that were ESBL producing increased from 1.3% in 2007 to 9.7% in 2016 (P < 0.0001); >95% of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae were susceptible to amikacin and meropenem. CTX-M-15 was the predominant genotype in both ESBL-producing E. coli (64.2% of isolates) and ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae (51.0%). The annual proportion of isolates of E. coli that were AmpC producing [annual proportion mean 1.9% (range 0.3%-3.1%)] was unchanged from 2007 to 2016 (P > 0.5).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of both ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae increased significantly in Canada during the study period while the prevalence of AmpC-producing E. coli remained low and stable.

Molecular characteristics of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Japan: Predominance of CTX-M-15 and emergence of hypervirulent clones

OBJECTIVE

To provide data on the molecular characteristics of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates in Japan.

METHODS

A total of 100 clinical isolates of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae collected throughout Japan between June and July 2018 were studied. ESBL genes were analyzed using PCR and DNA sequencing. Transferability of ESBL genes was investigated by conjugation experiments. Plasmid replicon types, virulence genes (rmpA, rmpA2, iucA, iroB, and peg-344) associated with hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp), and capsule types were detected using PCR. Genotyping was performed using multilocus sequence typing.

RESULTS

All ESBL-producing isolates carried bla_CTX-M genes. The most predominant CTX-M-type identified was CTX-M-15 (n=55). We identified 24 sequence types (STs) among the CTX-M-15 producers, with ST25 (n=8) being the most common. Most of the transconjugants carrying bla_CTX-M-15 contained the FIIk replicon. Of the 100 ESBL-producing isolates, 31 were hvKp defined by the presence of the virulence genes. These ESBL-producing hvKp isolates belonged to eight STs (STs 23, 25, 36, 65, 86, 268, 412, and 4492), with five capsule types (K1, K2, K20, K57, and undefined).

CONCLUSIONS

CTX-M-15 was the predominant ESBL among K. pneumoniae isolates from Japan. This study shows that ESBL-producing hvKp strains comprising various clones are emerging in Japan.

Molecular detection and antibiotic resistance pattern of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in a Tertiary Hospital in Enugu, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

The use of antibiotic agents in the treatment of infectious diseases has greatly contributed to the decrease in morbidity and mortality, but these great advances in treatment are being undermined by the rapidly increasing antimicrobial resistant organisms. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases are enzymes hydrolyzing the beta lactam antibiotics, including third generation cephalosporins and monobactams but not cephamycins and carbapenems. They pose a serious global health threat and have become a challenge for health care providers. The aim of this research was to assess the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla Enugu and to detect the risk factors for acquisition of the resistant organism. To proffer advice on antibiotic stewardship in clinical practice and public health interventions, to curb the spread of the resistant organisms in the hospital.

RESULTS

Out of the 200 E. coli isolates, 70 (35.00%) were confirmed positive for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production. Fifty-three (75.7%) were from hospital acquired infections. All the isolates were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol while 68 (97.14%) of the 70 isolates were susceptible to imipenem. BlaTEM, blaSHV and blaTEM were detected in 66 (94%) of the 70 isolates. The ESBL bla genes detected were blaCTX-M (n = 26; 37.14%), blaTEM (n = 7; 10.00%), blaSHV (n = 2; 2.86%), blaCTX-M/TEM (n = 7; 10.0%), blaCTX-M/SHV (n = 14; 20.0%) and blaCTX-M/TEM/SHV (n = 10; 14.29%). The three bla genes were not detected in 4 (5.71%) of the isolates. Recent surgery, previous antibiotic and intensive care unit admission were the associated risk factors to infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli.

CONCLUSION

There is a high rate of infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli. Recent surgery, previous antibiotic and intensive care unit admission were associated risk factors.

Exploring the phenotype and genotype of multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae harbouring blaCTX-M group extended-spectrum β-lactamases recovered from paediatric clinical cases in Shenzhen, China

Background

Emergence and spread of β-lactamase resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae have posed a serious threat, especially in paediatric patients globally. The present study focuses on explore drug resistance profile and molecular characterization of carbapenemase and extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing K. pneumoniae isolated from paediatric patients in Shenzhen, China.

Methods

Present study, a total of 31 isolates of multi-drug resistant K. pneumoniae were collected from Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, China during Jan 2014 to December 2015. ESBLs production was confirmed by using the combination disc diffusion method followed by antimicrobial susceptibility. In addition, β-lactamase encoding genes were determined by PCR assay and sequencing. The genotypic diversity and phylogenetic relationship were determined by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) method and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Results

We examined 31, unique K. pneumoniae isolates collected from 2014 and 2015 in Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, China. All the 31 isolates 100% were resistant to ceftazidime, ertapenem, ampicillin, cefazolin and ampicillin-sulbactam followed by ceftriaxone 94% (n = 29), aztreonam 89% (n = 26), cefepime 84% (n = 26), nitrofurantoin 75% (n = 24), piperacillin 52% (n = 16), and levofloxacin 49% (n = 15). Of the 31 β-lactamase gene coding isolates, bla_CTX-M was mainly detected in about 100% (n = 31), followed by bla_KPC 71% (n = 22), bla_SHV 61% (n = 19), bla_NDM 25% (n = 8), bla_CYM 13% (n = 4), bla_OXA-48 9% (n = 3), bla_GES 9% (n = 3) and bla_TEM 6% (n = 2). Seventeen distinct sequences type were observed with ST20 being mostly identified 16% (n = 5). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing showed that identical profile for the isolates recovered from the Department of Intensive Care Unit and Department of Neurology of our hospital. Plasmid replicon typing result indicates the presence of IncFIS type as highest in all isolates as 61% (n = 19), followed by IncFIB 23% (n = 7), IncFIA and IncFIC 16% (n = 5) each.

Conclusion

Our study reports the occurrence and spread of extended β-lactamase K. pneumoniae ST20 and ST2407 for the first time, in Shenzhen, particularly in paediatric patients. To prevent and control the infection by limiting the spread of infection-causing organisms it is very crucial to detect the presence of resistant genes at an early stage.

Duodenoscope-Related Outbreak of a Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Identified Using Advanced Molecular Diagnostics

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections are increasingly prevalent in North American hospitals. We describe an outbreak of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae containing the blaOXA-232 gene transmitted by contaminated duodenoscopes during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures.

Methods

An outbreak investigation was performed when 9 patients with blaOXA-232 carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infections were identified at a tertiary care hospital. The investigation included 2 case-control studies, review of duodenoscope reprocessing procedures, and culture of devices. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriacieae (CRE) isolates were evaluated with polymerase chain reaction analysis for carbapenemase genes, and isolates with the blaOXA-232 gene were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and chromosome single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis. On recognition of ERCP as a key risk factor for infection, targeted patient notification and CRE screening cultures were performed.

Results

Molecular testing ultimately identified 17 patients with blaOxa-232 carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates, including 9 with infections, 7 asymptomatic carriers who had undergone ERCP, and 1 additional patient who had been hospitalized in India and was probably the initial carrier. Two case-control studies established a point-source outbreak associated with 2 specific duodenoscopes. A field investigation of the use, reprocessing, and storage of deuodenoscopes did not identify deviations from US Food and Drug Administration or manufacturer recommendations for reprocessing.

Conclusions

This outbreak demonstrated the previously underappreciated potential for duodenoscopes to transmit disease, even after undergoing high-level disinfection according to manufacturers' guidelines.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of ESBL-, AmpC-, and Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli Isolates

OBJECTIVES

Drug resistance among gram-negative bacteria is a worldwide challenge. Due to the importance of drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli strains in hospital-acquired infections, we aimed to determine the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of ESBL-, AmpC-, and carbapenemase-producing isolates obtained from hospitalized patients in Tehran and Ilam (Iran).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 90 K. pneumoniae isolates and 65 E. coli isolates were collected from various infections. Phenotypic identification of bacterial isolates was performed using standard methods. Phenotypic screening of ESBL, AmpC, and carbapenemase enzymes was carried out. Detection of ESBL, AmpC, and carbapenemase genes was also performed by the PCR method.

RESULTS

Phenotypic detection tests showed that 36 (40%) K. pneumoniae and 23 (35.4%) E. coli isolates were ESBL producers. Moreover, 18 (20%) and 6 (9.2%) K. pneumoniae and E. coli isolates were AmpC producers, respectively. Modified Hodge test results indicated that 39 (43.3%) K. pneumoniae and 18 (27.7%) E. coli isolates produced carbapenemase. Molecular tests showed that 40% of K. pneumoniae and 36.9% of E. coli isolates were ESBL positive. AmpC was detected in 24.4 and 13.8% of K. pneumoniae and E. coli isolates. Carbapenemase was detected in 34 (37.8%) K. pneumoniae and 13 (20%) E. coli isolates. -Conclusion: In this study, 3 K. pneumoniae isolates simultaneously carried ESBL, AmpC, and carbapenemase genes. Up-to-date strategies such as combination therapy or utilization of new antimicrobial agents might help to combat such drug-resistant organisms.

Characterization of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae From Retail Food in China

In this study, we characterized the β-lactamase genes and phenotypic resistance of cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated from retail foods in China. Of 1,024 Enterobacteriaceae isolates recovered from raw meat products, aquatic products, raw vegetables, retail-level ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, frozen foods, and mushrooms from 2011 to 2014, 164 (16.0%) showed cefotaxime (CTX) and/or ceftazidime (CAZ) cephalosporin resistance, and 96 (9.4%) showed the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) phenotype. More than 30% isolates were resistant to all antimicrobial agents except carbapenems (MEM 3.1% and IPM 5.2%), cefoxitin (FOX 6.3%), and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC 26%), and 94.8% of the strains were resistant to up to seven antibiotics. Polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that blaTEM (81.9%) was the most common gene, followed by blaCTX-M (68.1%) and blaSHV (38.9%). Moreover, 16.8% (72/429) of food samples contained ESBL-positive Enterobacteriaceae, with the following patterns: 32.9% (23/70) in frozen foods, 27.2% (5/29) in mushrooms, 17.6% (24/131) in raw meats, 13.3% (4/30) in fresh vegetables, 11.1% (8/72) in RTE foods, and 9.3% (9/97) in aquatic products. In addition, 24 of 217 foods collected in South China (11.1%), 25 of 131 foods collected in North of the Yangtze River region (19.1%), and 23 of 81 foods collected in South of the Yangtze River region (28.4%) were positive for ESBL- Enterobacteriaceae. Conjugation experiments demonstrated that the 22 of 72 isolates were transconjugants that had received the β-lactamase gene and were resistant to β-lactam antibiotics as well as some non-β-lactam antibiotics. These findings demonstrated that retail foods may be reservoirs for the dissemination of β-lactam antibiotics and that resistance genes could be transmitted to humans through the food chain; and the predominant ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in China was isolated from in frozen chicken-meat, followed by frozen pork, cold noodles in sauce, cucumber, raw chicken meat, frozen pasta, brine-soaked chicken and tomato.

Molecular characterization of OXA-48 carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains after a carbapenem resistance increase in Catalonia

INTRODUCTION

To characterize OXA-48 carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated after an increase in carbapenem resistance in Catalonia.

METHODOLOGY

K. pneumoniae identification, antimicrobial susceptibility studies, the Modified Hodge Test method, amplification of antimicrobial resistance genes (against β-lactamases, quinolones and aminoglycosides), molecular typing (by PFGE and MLST), conjugation assays, plasmid characterization (PBRT-PCR and Southern blot), a description of mobile genetic elements and statistical analysis were done.

RESULTS

OXA-48 was the only carbapenemase detected, with a prevalence of 1.9%. The bla_OXA-48 gene was located in an IncL conjugative plasmid of 62kb and integrated into the transposons Tn1999.2 (91.7%) or Tn1999.1. Five PFGE profiles (A to E) were found, which exactly matched the MLST: ST101, ST17, ST1233, ST14 and ST405, respectively. ST1233 is described here for the first time. K. pneumoniae OXA-48-producing strains were also CTX-M-15 carriers, some producing OXA-1 and TEM-1 penicillinases. The acquired qnrB66 and qnrB1 and aac(3')-IIa, aac(6')-Ib genes were also identified.

CONCLUSION

The K. pneumoniae ST405 clone has played an important role in the growing prevalence of OXA-48 in Catalonia. All clones described preserved the bla_OXA-48 genetic environment and mobile genetic elements (Tn1999). Notably, the three strains with minor sequence types in this study are not multiresistant strains. These strains are expanding in elderly patients (average age of 76 years) with serious underlying diseases, mainly women (61.2%).

Dissemination of successful international clone ST15 and clonal complex 17 among Bulgarian CTX-M-15 producing K. pneumoniae isolates

A total of 82 extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and 4 Klebsiella oxytoca isolates were collected in 2014 from four geographical areas in Bulgaria and their multilocus sequence type (MLST) and transferability of the ESBL encoding genes were investigated. The predominant type was CTX-M-15 (87%), followed by CTX-M-3 (9%), SHV-12 or SHV-2 (2%) and CTX-M-14 (1%). The CTX-M-15 producers belonged to ST15 (34.1%) and to a lesser extent to CC17 (ST16, ST17, ST336). The CTX-M-15 transconjugants showed a presence of R, A/C₂ and F replicons. The CTX-M-3 producers were assigned to ST29, ST70, ST432, ST542 and ST15 types and the transconjugants carried M₂ replicons. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that fully describes the MLST types among Bulgarian ESBL producing K. pneumoniae and the first report of the detection of IncR plasmid replicon type in our country.

Long-lasting outbreak due to CTX-M-15-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST336 in a rehabilitation ward: report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Whereas Klebsiella species are the most frequently occurring agents in nosocomial outbreaks due to multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms, very few outbreaks have been reported from rehabilitation wards.

AIM

To describe a long-lasting outbreak due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing (ESBL) Klebsiella pneumoniae in a rehabilitation ward.

METHODS

ESBL K. pneumoniae from all in- and outpatients whose specimens were tested at a tertiary care university hospital between 2007 and 2012 were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and selected isolates were submitted to multi-locus sequence typing and ESBL genotyping. Outbreak characteristics and infection control interventions were summarized. The literature was searched for K. pneumoniae-related outbreaks in rehabilitation wards.

FINDINGS

ESBL K. pneumoniae was detected in 69 out of 2478 K. pneumoniae-positive patients (2.8%) during the study period. Eight related outbreak clones from 35 patients, 25 of whom were in the rehabilitation ward, produced CTX-M-15 and belonged to ST336. The outbreak lasted for more than three years and was controlled by sequentially increasing measures culminating in review of all patient-related care, compulsory educational meetings for personnel, profession-specific guidelines and educational flyers for patients.

CONCLUSION

Half of ESBL K. pneumoniae-positive patients identified over six years at a tertiary care university hospital harboured related clones, and more than a third were hospitalized in a rehabilitation ward. Rehabilitation wards pose particular challenges for infection control because of patient dependency and an environment that encourages socializing. They are, however, rarely involved in K. pneumoniae-related outbreaks.

Antibiotic-Resistant Extended Spectrum ß-Lactamase- and Plasmid-Mediated AmpC-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Retail Food Products and the Pearl River in Guangzhou, China

We conducted a survey in 2015 to evaluate the presence of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and plasmid-mediated AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae in retail food and water of the Pearl River in Guangzhou, China, as well as their antibiotic resistance profiles. Samples (88 fresh food samples and 43 water samples) from eight different districts were analyzed by direct plating and after enrichment. Multidrug-resistant strains were found in 41.7 and 43.4% of food and water samples, respectively. ESBLs were found in 3.4 and 11.6% of food and water samples, respectively, and AmpC producers were found in 13.6 and 16.3% of food and water samples, respectively. Molecular characterization revealed the domination of bla_CTX−Mgenes; plasmidic AmpC was of the type DHA-1 both in food and water samples. Thirteen of Fifty one β-lactamase-producing positive isolates were detected to be transconjugants, which readily received the β-lactamase genes conferring resistance to β-lactam antibiotics as well as some non-β-lactam antibiotics. These findings provide evidence that retail food and the river water may be considered as reservoirs for the dissemination of β-lactam antibiotics, and these resistance genes could readily be transmitted to humans through the food chain and water.

Characteristics of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae as a cause of neonatal infection in Shandong, China

The goal of the present study was to examine the characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae as a cause of neonatal infection. A total of 37 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-positive newborns hospitalized in Shandong Provincial Hospital, China between April 2011 and October 2013 were examined. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the agar dilution method and the Etest. Resistance genes were assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) were used to determine the genotypes and homology of these isolates. Plasmids were analyzed by PFGE and conjugation experiments. The outer membrane proteins were examined by PCR and SDS-PAGE. All of the isolates were revealed to be resistant to the third and fourth generation cephalosporins and piperacillin-tazobactam. Tigecycline, colistin, levofloxacin and amikacin were successful against all of the isolates. The antibiotic resistance rates of aztreonam, gentamicin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and fosfomycin were 13.51, 48.64, 78.38 and 86.49%, respectively. Of the 37 cases, 25 isolates (67.57%) were bla_NDM-1 positive, 13 isolates (35.14%) were bla_IMP-4 positive and 1 isolate (2.70%) was bla_IMP-8 positive. Two isolates carried both bla_NDM-1 and bla_IMP-4. The isolate carrying 2-4 plasmids and bla_NDM-1 and bla_IMP-4 was transferable between strains. SDS-PAGE data indicated that outer membrane proteins remained present. PFGE revealed 7 distinct clusters, and MLST reported the presence of ST20, ST17, ST54, ST705 and ST290 sequences, which indicated that there was clone and plasmid spread between newborns. The main resistance mechanism of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae was that the isolates expressed the carbapenemase resistance of bla_NDM-1 and bla_IMP-4 genes. The current study indicates that early detection of these genes may be helpful in infection prevention and control.

High Prevalence of ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Causing Community-Onset Infections in China

The aim of this work was to investigate the epidemiological and genetic characteristics of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-Kp) causing community-onset infections. K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from 31 Chinese secondary hospitals between August 2010 and 2011. Genes encoding ESBL and AmpC beta-lactamases were detected by PCR. The isolates were assigned to sequence types (STs) using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Eleven ESBL-Kp strains were selected for whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for investigating the genetic environment and plasmids encoding ESBL genes. A total of 578 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected, and 184 (31.8%) carried ESBL genes. The prevalence of ESBL-Kp varied from different geographical areas of China (10.2–50.3%). The three most prevalent ESBL genes were bla_CTX-M-14 (n = 74), bla_CTX-M-15 (n = 60), and bla_CTX-M-3 (n = 40). MLST assigned 127 CTX-M-14 and CTX-M-15 producers to 54 STs, and CC17 was the most prevalent population (12.6%). STs (23, 37, and 86) that were known frequently associated with hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKP) account for 14.1% (18/127). Phylogenetic analysis by concatenating the seven loci of MLST revealed the existence of ESBL-producing K. quasipneumoniae (two strains) and K. varricola (one strain), which was further confirmed by WGS. This study highlights the challenge of community-onset infections caused by ESBL-Kp in China. The prevalence of STs frequently associating with hvKP should be of concern. Surveillance of ESBL-KP causing community-onset infections now appears imperative.

Impact of infection with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli or Klebsiella species on outcome and hospitalization costs

BACKGROUND

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria are important sources of infection; however, Canadian data evaluating the impact of ESBL-associated infection are lacking.

AIM

To determine whether patients infected with ESBL-producing Escherichia coli or Klebsiella species (ESBL-EcKs) exhibit differences in clinical outcome, microbiological outcome, mortality, and/or hospital resource use compared to patients infected with non-ESBL-producing strains.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study of 75 case patients with ESBL-EcKs matched to controls infected with non-ESBL-EcKs who were hospitalized from June 2010 to April 2013 was conducted. Patient-level cost data were provided by the institution's business office. Clinical data were collected using the electronic databases and paper charts.

FINDINGS

Median infection-related hospitalization costs per patient were greater for cases than controls (C$10,507 vs C$7,882; median difference: C$3,416; P = 0.04). The primary driver of increased costs was prolonged infection-related hospital length of stay (8 vs 6 days; P = 0.02) with patient location (ward, ICU) and indirect care costs (including costs associated with infection prevention and control) as the leading cost categories. Cases were more likely to experience clinical failure (25% vs 11%; P = 0.03), with a higher all-cause mortality (17% vs 5%; P = 0.04). Less than half of case patients were prescribed appropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy, whereas controls received adequate initial treatment in nearly all circumstances (48% vs 96%; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Patients with infection caused by ESBL-EcKs are at increased risk for clinical failure and mortality, with additional cost to the Canadian healthcare system of C$3,416 per patient.

Molecular epidemiology and characterization of an outbreak causing Klebsiella pneumoniae clone carrying chromosomally located bla(CTX-M-15) at a German University-Hospital

BACKGROUND

Multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains are a common cause of health care associated infections worldwide. Clonal spread of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates carrying plasmid mediated CTX-M-15 have been commonly reported. Limited data is available regarding dissemination of chromosomally encoded CTX-M-15 in Klebsiella pneumoniae worldwide.

RESULTS

We examined 23 non-repetitive ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from clinical specimens over a period of 4 months in a German University Hospital. All isolates were characterized to determine their genetic relatedness using Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) and Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST). PFGE revealed three clusters (B1, B2, and B3) with a sub-cluster (A3) comprising of 10 isolates with an identical PFGE pattern. All strains of the cluster B3 with similar PFGE patterns were typed as ST101, indicating an outbreak situation. The ESBL allele bla CTX-M-15 was identified in 16 (69.6 %) of all isolates, including all of the outbreak strains. Within the A3 sub-cluster, the CTX-M-15 allele could not be transferred by conjugation. DNA hybridization studies suggested a chromosomal location of bla CTX-M-15. Whole genome sequencing located CTX-M-15 within a complete ISEcp-1 transposition unit inserted into an ORF encoding for a putative membrane protein. PCR-based analysis of the flanking regions demonstrated that insertion into this region is unique and present in all outbreak isolates.

CONCLUSION

This is the first characterization of a chromosomal insertion of bla CTX-M-15 in Klebsiella pneumonia ST101, a finding suggesting that in Enterobacteriaceae, chromosomal locations may also act as reservoirs for the spread of bla CTX-M-15 encoding transposition units.

Whole genome sequencing of extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from a patient in Lebanon

Objective: The emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria is now a critical concern. The ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae constitutes one of the most common multidrug-resistant (MDR) groups of gram-negative bacteria involved in nosocomial infections worldwide. In this study we report on the molecular characterization through whole genome sequencing of an ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae strain, LAU-KP1, isolated from a stool sample from a patient admitted for a gastrointestinal procedure/surgery at the Lebanese Amrican University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital (LAUMCRH) in Lebanon.

Methods: Illumina paired-end libraries were prepared and sequenced, which resulted in 4,220,969 high-quality reads. All sequence processing and assembly were performed using the A5 assembly pipeline.

Results: The initial assembly produced 86 contigs, for which no scaffolding was obtained. The final collection of contigs was submitted to GenBank. The final draft genome sequence consists of a combined 5,632,663 bases with 57% G+C content. Automated annotation was performed using the RAST annotation server. Sequencing analysis revealed that the isolate harbored different β-lactamase genes, including bla_oxa−1, bla_CTX−M−15, bla_SHV−11, and bla_TEM−1b. The isolate was also characterized by the concomitant presence of other resistance determinants most notably acc(6′)-lb-cr and qnrb1. The entire plasmid content was also investigated and revealed homology with four major plasmids pKPN-IT, pBS512_2, pRSF1010_SL1344, and pKPN3.

Conclusions: The potential role of K. pneumonia as a reservoir for ESBL genes and other resistance determinants is along with the presence of key factors that favor the spread of antimicrobial resistance a clear cause of concern and the problem that Carbapenem-non-susceptible ESBL isolates are posing in hospitals should be reconsidered through systematic exploration and molecular characterization.

Evaluation of a Method Using Three Genomic Guided Escherichia coli Markers for Phylogenetic Typing of E. coli Isolates of Various Genetic Backgrounds

Genotyping and characterization of bacterial isolates are essential steps in the identification and control of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Recently, one novel genotyping method using three genomic guided Escherichia coli markers (GIG-EM), dinG, tonB, and dipeptide permease (DPP), was reported. Because GIG-EM has not been fully evaluated using clinical isolates, we assessed this typing method with 72 E. coli collection of reference (ECOR) environmental E. coli reference strains and 63 E. coli isolates of various genetic backgrounds. In this study, we designated 768 bp of dinG, 745 bp of tonB, and 655 bp of DPP target sequences for use in the typing method. Concatenations of the processed marker sequences were used to draw GIG-EM phylogenetic trees. E. coli isolates with identical sequence types as identified by the conventional multilocus sequence typing (MLST) method were localized to the same branch of the GIG-EM phylogenetic tree. Sixteen clinical E. coli isolates were utilized as test isolates without prior characterization by conventional MLST and phylogenetic grouping before GIG-EM typing. Of these, 14 clinical isolates were assigned to a branch including only isolates of a pandemic clone, E. coli B2-ST131-O25b, and these results were confirmed by conventional typing methods. Our results suggested that the GIG-EM typing method and its application to phylogenetic trees might be useful tools for the molecular characterization and determination of the genetic relationships among E. coli isolates.

Outbreak of multidrug resistant NDM-1-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from a neonatal unit in Shandong Province, China

Despite worldwide dissemination of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase1 (blaNDM-1), outbreaks remain uncommon in China. In this study, we describe the characteristics of the outbreak-related blaNDM-1-producing K. pneumonia isolates in a neonatal unit in Shandong province, China. We recovered 21 non-repetitive carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates with a positively modified Hodge test (MHT) or EDTA synergistic test from patients and environmental samples in Shandong provincial hospital. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) data show K. pneumoniae isolates from 19 patients were clonally related and belong to the clonal groups ST20 and ST17. We note two outbreaks, the first caused by ST20 during August 2012 involving four patients, and the second caused by ST20 and ST17 during January 2012 and September 2013 involving fourteen patients. We found the bed railing of one patient was the source of the outbreak. We verified the presence of the blaNDM-1 gene in 21 K. pneumoniae isolates. The genes blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-14, blaDHA-1, blaTEM-1 and Class I integron were also present in 18 (85.7%), 3 (14.3%), 18 (85.7%), 19 (90.5%) and 19 (90.5%) isolates, respectively. We also found an isolate with both blaNDM-1 and blaIMP-4. All of the isolates exhibited a multidrug-resistance phenotype. The β-lactam resistance of 20 isolates was transferable via conjugation. In addition, we show the resistance of 21 K. pneumoniae isolates to carbapenem is not related to lack of outer-membrane proteins OmpK35 and OmpK36 nor overpression of efflux pumps. This study provides the first report confirming blaNDM-1-producing K. pneumoniae ST20 and ST17 were associated with outbreak. Early detection of resistance genes is an effective strategy in preventing and controlling infection by limiting the dissemination of these organisms.

Persistence of a pKPN3-like CTX-M-15-encoding IncFIIK plasmid in a Klebsiella pneumonia ST17 host during two years of intestinal colonization

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the CTX-M-15-encoding plasmid in a Klebsiella pneumoniae ST17 strain, responsible for an outbreak at a Norwegian neonatal intensive care unit and subsequent colonization of affected children for up to two years. To identify plasmid-mediated features relevant for the outbreak dynamics, and to investigate the plasmids capability of horizontal transfer, its segregational stability and plasmid-mediated fitness costs.

METHODS

Plasmid profiling was performed by S1-nuclease PFGE, PCR-based replicon typing and Southern blot-hybridization. The complete sequence of the CTX-M-15-encoding plasmid was obtained by 454 sequencing. Plasmid self-transferability was investigated by broth- and filter mating, segregational stability was explored by serial passage, and plasmid-conferred fitness costs were examined in pairwise head-to-head competitions and by growth rate comparisons.

RESULTS

CTX-M-15 was encoded by a ~180 kb IncFIIK plasmid in K. pneumoniae ST17. S1-nuclease PFGE profiles of the first and the last CTX-M-15-producing K. pneumoniae isolates, recovered from the four children colonized the longest, suggested that the plasmid was stably maintained during intestinal carriage of up to two years. The DNA sequence of the pKPN3-like plasmid, pKp848CTX, uncovered a Tn3-like antibiotic resistance region and multiple heavy metal- and thermoresistance determinants. Plasmid pKp848CTX could not be transferred to Escherichia coli in vitro and we found no evidence to support horizontal plasmid transfer in vivo. Segregational plasmid loss ranging from 0.83% to 17.5% was demonstrated in evolved populations in vitro, but only minor fitness costs were associated with plasmid-carriage.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasmid pKp848CTX encodes phenotypic traits, which may have had an impact on the fitness and survival of the K. pneumoniae ST17 strain in the outbreak setting. The antibiotic resistance plasmid pKp848CTX was stably maintained during two years of intestinal colonization, conferring negligible fitness cost to its host, and thus seem well adapted to its K. pneumoniae host.

Escherichia coli ST131, an intriguing clonal group

In 2008, a previously unknown Escherichia coli clonal group, sequence type 131 (ST131), was identified on three continents. Today, ST131 is the predominant E. coli lineage among extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) isolates worldwide. Retrospective studies have suggested that it may originally have risen to prominence as early as 2003. Unlike other classical group B2 ExPEC isolates, ST131 isolates are commonly reported to produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases, such as CTX-M-15, and almost all are resistant to fluoroquinolones. Moreover, ST131 E. coli isolates are considered to be truly pathogenic, due to the spectrum of infections they cause in both community and hospital settings and the large number of virulence-associated genes they contain. ST131 isolates therefore seem to contradict the widely held view that high levels of antimicrobial resistance are necessarily associated with a fitness cost leading to a decrease in pathogenesis. Six years after the first description of E. coli ST131, this review outlines the principal traits of ST131 clonal group isolates, based on the growing body of published data, and highlights what is currently known and what we need to find out to provide public health authorities with better information to help combat ST131.

Klebsiella variicola is a frequent cause of bloodstream infection in the stockholm area, and associated with higher mortality compared to K. pneumoniae

Clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae are divided into three phylogroups and differ in their virulence factor contents. The aim of this study was to determine an association between phylogroup, virulence factors and mortality following bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Isolates from all adult patients with BSI caused by K. pneumoniae admitted to Karolinska University Hospital, Solna between 2007 and 2009 (n = 139) were included in the study. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on multilocus sequence typing (MLST) data. Testing for mucoid phenotype, multiplex PCR determining serotypes K1, K2, K5, K20, K54 and K57, and testing for virulence factors connected to more severe disease in previous studies, was also performed. Data was retrieved from medical records including age, sex, comorbidity, central and urinary catheters, time to adequate treatment, hospital-acquired infection, and mortality, to identify risk factors. The primary end-point was 30- day mortality. The three K. pneumoniae phylogroups were represented: KpI (n = 96), KpII (corresponding to K. quasipneumoniae, n = 9) and KpIII (corresponding to K. variicola, n = 34). Phylogroups were not significantly different in baseline characteristics. Overall, the 30-day mortality was 24/139 (17.3%). Isolates belonging to KpIII were associated with the highest 30-day mortality (10/34 cases, 29.4%), whereas KpI isolates were associated with mortality in 13/96 cases (13.5%). This difference was significant both in univariate statistical analysis (P = 0.037) and in multivariate analysis adjusting for age and comorbidity (OR 3.03 (95% CI: 1.10–8.36). Only three of the isolates causing mortality within 30 days belonged to any of the virulent serotypes (K54, n = 1), had a mucoid phenotype (n = 1) and/or contained virulence genes (wcaG n = 1 and wcaG/allS n = 1). In conclusion, the results indicate higher mortality among patients infected with isolates belonging to K. variicola. The increased mortality could not be related to any known virulence factors, including virulent capsular types or mucoid phenotype.

Differences in risk-factor profiles between patients with ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae: a multicentre case-case comparison study

Background

Generic epidemiological differences between extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP), are poorly defined. Nonetheless, defining such differences and understanding their basis could have strategic implications for infection control policy and practice.

Methods

Between 2009 and 2011 patients with bacteraemia due to ESBL-EC or ESBL-KP across all three acute hospitals in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, were eligible for inclusion. Recognised risk factors for ESBL bacteraemia were compared between species in a retrospective case-case study design using multivariate logistic regression. Representative isolates underwent ESBL gene characterisation and molecular typing.

Results

170 patients and 176 isolates were included in the study (92 patients with ESBL-EC, 78 with ESBL-KP). 92.6% had CTX-Ms. 39% of EC were ST131 while 51% of KP belonged to 3 different STs (i.e. ST20, ST48 & ST1087). Specific sequence types were associated with specific hospitals for ESBL-KP but not ESBL-EC. Variables positively associated with ESBL-EC on multivariate analysis were: community acquired infection (odds ratio [OR] 7.9; 95% CI: 2.6-23.9); chronic pulmonary disease (OR 5.5; 95% CI: 1.5-20.1); and high prevalence country of origin (OR 4.3; 95% CI: 1.6-11.6). Variables negatively associated with ESBL-EC were previous transplant (OR 0.06; 95% CI: 0.007-0.6); Hospital 2 (OR 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.7) and recent ICU admission (OR 0.3; 95% CI: 0.07-0.9).

Conclusions

Differences in risk profiles between patients with ESBL-EC and ESBL-KP suggest fundamental differences in transmission dynamics. Understanding the biological basis for these differences could have implications for infection control practice. Tailoring of infection control measures according to ESBL species may be indicated in some instances.

Expansion of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in hospitalized patients: a successful story of international clones (ST15, ST147, ST336) and epidemic plasmids (IncR, IncFIIK)

The aim of this study was to characterize by a multi-level approach extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates other than E. coli from Portuguese hospitals. Eighty-eight ESBL-producing clinical isolates (69 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 13 Enterobacter cloacae complex, 3 Klebsiella oxytoca, 1 Enterobacter asburiae, 1 Proteus mirabilis and 1 Serratia marcescens) recovered from hospitals located in the North (A) or Centre (B, C) regions during two time periods (2006-7 and 2010) were analyzed. Standard methods were used for bacterial identification, antibiotic susceptibility testing, ESBL characterization, clonal (PFGE, MLST) and plasmid (S1-PFGE, I-CeuI-PFGE, replicon typing, hybridization) analysis. Isolates produced mostly CTX-M-15 (47%) or SHV-12 (30%), and less frequently other SHV- (15%; SHV-2, -5, -28, -55, -106) or TEM- (9%; TEM-10, -24, -199)-types, with marked local and temporal variations. The increase of CTX-M-15 and diverse SHV ESBL-types observed in Hospital A was associated with the amplification of multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae epidemic clones (ST15, ST147, ST336). SHV-12 and TEM-type ESBLs were mostly identified in diverse isolates of different Enterobacteriaceae species in Hospitals B and C in 2006-7. Particular plasmid types were linked to blaCTX-M-15 (IncR or non-typeable plasmids), blaSHV-12 (IncR or IncHI2), blaSHV-28/-55/-106 (IncFIIK1 or IncFIIK5), blaTEM-10 (IncL/M) or blaTEM-24 (IncA/C), mostly in epidemic clones. In our country, the amplification of CTX-M-15 and diverse SHV-type ESBL among non-E. coli Enterobacteriaceae is linked to international MDR K. pneumoniae clones (ST15, ST147, ST336) and plasmid types (IncR, IncFIIK). Furthermore, we highlight the potential of IncFIIK plasmids (here firstly associated with blaSHV-2/-28/-55/-106) to disseminate as antibiotic resistance plasmids.

CTX-M β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in suburban New York City, New York, USA

CTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates are infrequently reported in the United States. In this study, we analyzed nonduplicate ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae and Escherichia coli clinical isolates collected during 2005–2012 at a tertiary care medical center in suburban New York City, USA, for the presence of bla_CTX-M, bla_SHV, bla_TEM, and bla_KPC genes. Despite a high prevalence of bla_CTX-M genes in ESBL-producing E. coli since 2005, bla_CTX-M genes were not detected in K. pneumoniae until 2009. The prevalence of CTX-M–producing K. pneumoniae increased significantly over time from 1.7% during 2005–2009 to 26.4% during 2010–2012 (p<0.0001). CTX-M-15 was the dominant CTX-M genotype. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing revealed high genetic heterogeneities in CTX-M–producing K. pneumoniae isolates. This study demonstrates the recent emergence and polyclonal spread of multidrug resistant CTX-M–producing K. pneumoniae isolates among patients in a hospital setting in the United States.

Possibility of CTX-M-14 Gene Transfer from Shigella sonnei to a Commensal Escherichia coli Strain of the Gastroenteritis Microbiome

Objectives

To investigated whether the CTX-M-14 gene could be transferred from a clinical Shigella sonnei strain to commensal Escherichia coli strain in the gastroenteritis microbiome.

Methods

E. coli strains were isolated from 30 stool samples of S. sonnei infected students in a gastroenteritis outbreak in 2004 and were characterized by antibiotic resistance analysis, in vitro conjugation and in vivo transfer of CTX-M-14 gene and molecular assays.

Results

One strain of Escherichia coli that had high levels of resistance to cefotaxime was isolated from a patient infected with S. sonnei. Isoelectric focusing showed that the E. coli and S. sonnei strains produced a β-lactamase with an isoelectric point of 8.1. Moreover, polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that both strains possessed the same DNA sequences for CTX-M-14. The results of in vitro and in vivo conjugation showed that the efficiency of CTX-M-14 transfer from S. sonnei to E. coli was similar to CTX-M-14 transfer between E. coli strains.

Conclusion

The data suggest that the acquisition of the extended-spectrum β-lactamases gene by pathogenic bacteria in the human intestinal tract to commensal microbiome bacteria can cause serious infectious diseases.

NDM-1-producing Enterobacteriaceae from South Africa: moving towards endemicity?

We describe 4 patients infected with NDM-1 Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii, and Serratia marcescens from South Africa that co-produced SHV-12, CTX-M-3, and CTX-M-15 and were positive for qnrS, qnrA, aac(6')-Ib-cr, rmtF, rmtC, and armA. Plasmids belonged to IncN, IncA/C replicon types with ccdAB and vagC/D addiction factors. Local and imported cases of NDM-producing bacteria co-exist within South Africa.

Successful control of a neonatal outbreak caused mainly by ST20 multidrug-resistant SHV-5-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, Greece

Background

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-Kp) infection can cause significant morbidity and mortality in neonates. We investigated a nosocomial ESBL-Kp outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the University Hospital of Larissa (UHL), Central Greece.

Methods

A total of sixty-four ESBL-Kp were studied; twenty six isolates were recovered from the NICU and were compared with thirty-eight randomly selected isolates from different wards of the hospital during the period March- December 2012. All isolates were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, ESBL-production by double-disk synergy test, molecular typing using BOX-PCR, whereas selected isolates were further characterized by beta lactamase and virulence gene content, multilocus sequence typing and phylogenetic analysis. All neonates affected by ESBL-Kp were put under strict contact isolation, along with appropriate infection control measures.

Results

The outbreak strain of ST20 multidrug-resistant SHV-5-producing K. pneumoniae was identified in all infected (n = 13) and three colonized neonates. A novel ST (ST1114) was also identified among SHV-5 producers (n = 10) recovered from nine colonized infants, but it was not related with ST20. Both STs were identified only in the NICU and not in other wards of the hospital. No ESBL-Kp were isolated from the hands of the nursing staff and the environment. Although we were not able to identify the source of the outbreak, no ESBL-Kp were isolated in the NICU after this period and we assumed that the outbreak was successfully controlled. All neonates received parenteral nutrition and most of them were delivered by caesarean section and showed low gestational age (<32 weeks) and low birth weights (<1500 g).

Conclusion

According to our knowledge, this is the first description of an outbreak of multidrug-resistant SHV-5 producing K. pneumoniae assigned to ST20.

Prevalence of day-care centre children (France) with faecal CTX-M-producing Escherichia coli comprising O25b:H4 and O16:H5 ST131 strains

OBJECTIVES

Determining the prevalence of children in day-care centres (DCCs) carrying faecal extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae and molecularly characterizing those belonging to the Escherichia coli species.

METHODS

Stools were collected from children's diapers (January-April 2012) in randomly chosen DCCs and plated onto ChromID ESBL. Colonies growing on this medium were identified by the Vitek 2 system and tested for antibiotic susceptibility and for ESBL production by the double-disc synergy test. ESBL genotypes were determined as well as phylogenetic groups, ERIC-2 (enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus) PCR profiles and sequence types (STs) for the E. coli isolates. Serotypes, virotypes, fimH alleles, ESBL-carrying plasmids and PFGE patterns were determined for the ST131 E. coli isolates.

RESULTS

Among 419 children from 25 participating DCCs, 1 was colonized by CTX-M-15-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and 27 (6.4%) by E. coli, which all produced CTX-M enzymes [CTX-M-15 (37%), CTX-M-1 (26%), CTX-M-14 (22%), CTX-M-27 (11%) and CTX-M-22 (4%)]. The 27 E. coli isolates, 55.5% belonging to group B2, displayed 20 ERIC-2 PCR profiles and 16 STs. The ST131 E. coli isolates were dominant (44%), displayed serotypes O25b:H4 and O16:H5, fimH alleles 30 and 41 and virotypes A and C. According to the PFGE patterns, one strain of E. coli ST131 producing a CTX-M-15 enzyme carried by an IncF F2:A1:B- plasmid had spread within one DCC.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows a notable prevalence (6.4%) of DCC children with faecal CTX-M-producing E. coli isolates comprising a high proportion of E. coli ST131 isolates, suggesting that these children might be a reservoir of this clone.

Epidemiology of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in Sweden 2007-2011

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) -producing Enterobacteriaceae have been notifiable according to the Swedish Communicable Disease Act since 2007. A major increase in the number of cases has been observed, with 2099 cases in 2007 and 7225 cases in 2012. The majority of the isolates are Escherichia coli. Additionally, Swedish data on the prevalence of ESBL-producing invasive isolates of E. coli are available through EARS-Net, and through biannual point prevalence studies, where molecular characterization of isolates from the entire country is carried out. This paper describes major trends in the Swedish epidemiology of ESBL-producing E. coli in the period 2007-2012. Isolates from the point prevalence studies were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, ESBL genotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, multi-locus sequence typing and phylogenetic grouping with PCR. The distribution of sequence types, resistance genes and susceptibility levels were all stable over the three study periods. The dominating resistance gene conferring ESBL was blaCTX -M-15 , found in 54-58% of the isolates. ST131 represented 34-38% of the isolates. Other major sequence types were ST38, ST69, ST405, ST617 and ST648, each representing 2-6% of the isolates. Phylogenetic group B2 was the most common, and was observed in 41-47% of the isolates. However, among ST131 isolates the B2 phylogenetic group represented 90-98% of the isolates. The most important epidemiological difference seen over time was that the median age of infected women decreased from 62 to 52 years (p <0.0001) and infected men from 67 to 64 years. A potential explanation might be the shift towards a higher proportion of community-acquired infections in individuals lacking comorbidities.

Identification of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae urinary tract isolates harboring KPC and CTX-M β-lactamases in nonhospitalized patients

Forty-seven extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae urinary tract isolates from nonhospitalized patients were identified, and 79% harbored KPC and/or CTX-M β-lactamases. Approximately 90% of the isolates were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and levofloxacin, and 40% were resistant to a carbapenem, while 92% were susceptible to polymyxin B, 87% were susceptible to tigecycline, and 79% were susceptible to fosfomycin. Increased use of broader-spectrum antibiotics may help to prevent their dissemination and reduce the risk of progression to invasive disease.