Meropenem/vaborbactam activity in vitro: a new option for Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae treatment.

Abstract

Aim: Infections by Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing K. pneumoniae represent a major challenge because of limited treatment strategies. New β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor associations may help to deal with this challenge. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae for meropenem/vaborbactam in comparison with ceftazidime/avibactam against. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight strains isolated from blood cultures were evaluated. Testing for susceptibility to meropenem/vaborbactam and ceftazidime/avibactam was performed by E-test gradient strip. Results: All the clinical isolates were susceptible to meropenem/vaborbactam, while one strain was resistant to ceftazidime/avibactam with a MIC of 32μg/ml. The median MIC of ceftazidime/avibactam evaluated after standardization was higher compared with that of meropenem/vaborbactam. Conclusion: Meropenem/vaborbactam could be an important turning point in the treatment of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae infections, especially considering the emergence of ceftazidime/avibactam resistance.