KPC-producing Klebsiella Pneumoniae Infections Research Articles

Efficacy of fosfomycin-containing regimens in treating severe infections caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in critically ill patients

IntroductionFosfomycin (FOS) is gaining increasing importance as part of combination therapy for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) thanks to its in-vitro synergism with several antibiotics, high tissue distribution and good tolerability.We analyzed the effect on 30-day survival of FOS-containing regimens compared to NO-FOS in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care unit with CRAB or KPC-Kp infections. Secondary objectives were to evaluate clinical cure and microbiologic eradication of FOS versus NO-FOS group. Materials/methodsMonocentric retrospective observational study including SARS-Cov2-negative critically ill patients with KPC-Kp or CRAB infection treated with combination antibiotic therapy with or without FOS for ≥48h (FOS vs NO-FOS groups). Primary outcome was 30-d mortality, secondary outcomes clinical cure and microbiological eradication. ResultsOf the 78 patients analyzed, 26 (33.3%) were men, median (IQR) age and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were 67 years (53-74) and 4 (2-5), respectively. Septic shock was present in 18 patients (23.1%), 37 (47.4%) were CRAB, 41 (52.6%) KPC-Kp. Compared to NO-FOS, patients receiving FOS had higher clinical cure (89.2%vs65.9%, p=0.017), early (<72h) improvement (78.4%vs52.2%, p=0.018), microbiological eradication (87.5%vs62.2%, p=0.027) and lower 7-, 14- and 30-d mortality (0%vs4.6%, p=0.027, 2.7%vs22%, p=0.016, 13.5%vs34.2%, p=0.039, respectively). This effect was particularly evident for infections sustained by KPC-Kp. At multivariate analysis, receiving FOS was independently associated with survival (HR 0.29, IC95% 0.09-0.93, p=0.038), confirmed after IPTW (HR 0.501 IC95% 0.25-0.98 p=0.042). ConclusionsFOS-containing regimens exhibit higher clinical cure, higher microbiological eradication and reduced mortality than NO FOS-containing regimens in critically ill patients with CRAB and KPC-Kp infections.

The prevalence and mechanisms of heteroresistance to ceftazidime/avibactam in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

To investigate the prevalence and mechanisms of ceftazidime/avibactam heteroresistance in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-KP) isolates, as well as the role of heteroresistance in the transition of ceftazidime/avibactam susceptibility to resistance. Clinical KPC-KP isolates were obtained from a tertiary hospital in China from 2016 to 2017 and 2019 to 2020. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the broth microdilution method. Population analysis profiles were used to assess ceftazidime/avibactam heteroresistance. WGS and molecular cloning were conducted to reveal heteroresistance mechanisms and molecular characteristics. The findings indicated that the transition of ceftazidime/avibactam susceptibility to resistance during the treatment of KPC-KP infection is primarily attributed to the heteroresistance exhibited by KPC-KP isolates towards ceftazidime/avibactam. Among 355 ceftazidime/avibactam-susceptible KPC-KP isolates (indicating a resistance rate of 0%), 41 (11.55%) exhibited ceftazidime/avibactam heteroresistance, with the primary mechanism being the presence of KPC mutant subpopulations. These KPC variants, arising from point mutations, deletions and insertions, significantly increased ceftazidime/avibactam resistance while alongside enhanced carbapenem susceptibility. Notably, 11 new KPC variants were identified. Furthermore, four heteroresistant isolates were caused by mixed infection involving subpopulations carrying NDM-1 or NDM-5. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the clonal spread of ST11-KL64 KPC-KP may be correlated with the prevalence of heteroresistance. Ceftazidime/avibactam heteroresistance, primarily driven by pre-existing KPC variants, underscores the importance of considering heteroresistance in ceftazidime/avibactam therapeutics. Awareness of these dynamics is crucial for the effective and sustainable clinical application of ceftazidime/avibactam.

Outcomes and Predictors of Mortality in Patients With KPC-Kp Infections Treated With Meropenem Vaborbactam: An Observational Multicenter Study

Abstract Background Meropenem-vaborbactam is a recent and promising option for the treatment of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) infections, including those resistant to ceftazidime-avibactam. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of observational data from 19 Italian hospitals on use and outcomes of patients treated with meropenem-vaborbactam for at least ≥24 hours for KPC-Kp infections. Crude and propensity-weighted multiple Cox regression models were performed to ascertain risk factors independently associated with 30-day mortality. Results The cohort included 342 adults with bloodstream infections (n = 172) and nonbacteremic infections (n = 170), of which 107 were lower respiratory tract infections, 30 were complicated urinary tract infections, and 33 were infections involving other sites. Most infections (62.3%) were managed with meropenem-vaborbactam monotherapy, or in combination with at least 1 other active drug (usually fosfomycin, tigecycline, or gentamicin) (37.7%). The 30-day mortality rate was 31.6% (108/342). In multiple Cox regression model, 30-day mortality was independently associated with septic shock at infection onset, Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 3, dialysis, concomitant COVID-19, and INCREMENT score ≥ 8. Administration of meropenem-vaborbactam within 48 hours from infection onset was a negative predictor of mortality. All predictors, except administration of meropenem-vaborbactam within 48 hours, remained significant when the multiple Cox regression model was repeated after adjustment for the propensity score for receipt of combination therapy. Conclusions Despite the limits of a retrospective study, the data derived from this multicenter cohort provide additional evidence on the efficacy of meropenem-vaborbactam in treating severe KPC-Kp infections, even when used as monotherapy.

Effect of ceftazidime/avibactam plus fosfomycin combination on 30 day mortality in patients with bloodstream infections caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: results from a multicentre retrospective study.

The primary outcome of the study was to evaluate the effect on 30 day mortality of the combination ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin in the treatment of bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp). From October 2018 to March 2021, a retrospective, two-centre study was performed on patients with KPC-Kp BSI hospitalized at Sapienza University (Rome) and ISMETT-IRCCS (Palermo) and treated with ceftazidime/avibactam-containing regimens. A matched cohort (1:1) analysis was performed. Cases were patients receiving ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin and controls were patients receiving ceftazidime/avibactam alone or in combination with in vitro non-active drugs different from fosfomycin (ceftazidime/avibactam ± other). Patients were matched for age, Charlson comorbidity index, ward of isolation (ICU or non-ICU), source of infection and severity of BSI, expressed as INCREMENT carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) score. Overall, 221 patients were included in the study. Following the 1:1 match, 122 subjects were retrieved: 61 cases (ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin) and 61 controls (ceftazidime/avibactam ± other). No difference in overall mortality emerged between cases and controls, whereas controls had more non-BSI KPC-Kp infections and a higher number of deaths attributable to secondary infections. Almost half of ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin patients were prescribed fosfomycin without MIC fosfomycin availability. No difference in the outcome emerged after stratification for fosfomycin susceptibility availability and dosage. SARS-CoV-2 infection and ICS ≥ 8 independently predicted 30 day mortality, whereas an appropriate definitive therapy was protective. Our data show that fosfomycin was used in the treatment of KPC-Kp BSI independently from having its susceptibility testing available. Although no difference was found in 30 day overall mortality, ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin was associated with a lower rate of subsequent KPC-Kp infections and secondary infections than other ceftazidime/avibactam-based regimens.

Prognostic Significance of the Relative Load of KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae within the Intestinal Microbiota in a Prospective Cohort of Colonized Patients.

ABSTRACTIncreased relative bacterial load of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-KP) within the intestinal microbiota has been associated with KPC-KP bacteremia. Prospective observational study of KPC-KP adult carriers with a hospital admission at recruitment or within the three prior months (January 2018 to February 2019). A qPCR-based assay was developed to measure the relative load of KPC-KP in rectal swabs (RLKPC, proportion of blaKPC relative to 16S rRNA gene copy number). We generated Fine-Gray competing risk and Cox regression models for survival analysis of all-site KPC-KP infection and all-cause mortality, respectively, at 90 and 30 days. The median RLKPC at baseline among 80 KPC-KP adult carriers was 0.28% (range 0.001% to 2.70%). Giannella Risk Score (GRS) was independently associated with 90-day and 30-day all-site infection (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [aHR] 1.23, 95% CI = 1.15 to 1.32, P < 0.001). RLKPC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.07, P = 0.008) and age (aHR 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.10, P = 0.008) were independent predictors of 90-day all-cause mortality in a Cox model stratified by length of hospital stay (LOHS) ≥20 days. An adjusted Cox model for 30-day all-cause mortality, stratified by LOHS ≥14 days, included RLKPC (aHR 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.06, P = 0.027), age (aHR 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.18, P = 0.004), and severe KPC-KP infection (INCREMENT-CPE score >7, aHR 2.96, 95% CI = 0.97 to 9.07, P = 0.057). KPC-KP relative intestinal load was independently associated with all-cause mortality in our clinical setting, after adjusting for age and severe KPC-KP infection. Our study confirms the utility of GRS to predict infection risk in patients colonized by KPC-KP.IMPORTANCE The rapid dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales represents a global public health threat. Increased relative load of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-KP) within the intestinal microbiota has been associated with an increased risk of bloodstream infection by KPC-KP. We developed a qPCR assay for quantification of the relative KPC-KP intestinal load (RLKPC) in 80 colonized patients and examined its association with subsequent all-site KPC-KP infection and all-cause mortality within 90 days. Giannella Risk Score, which predicts infection risk in colonized patients, was independently associated with the development of all-site KPC-KP infection. RLKPC was not associated with all-site KPC-KP infection, possibly reflecting the large heterogeneity in patient clinical conditions and infection types. RLKPC was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality within 90 and 30 days in our clinical setting. We hypothesize that KPC-KP load may behave as a surrogate marker for the severity of the patient’s clinical condition.

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2, superiority trial to demonstrate the effectiveness of faecal microbiota transplantation for selective intestinal decolonisation of patients colonised by carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KAPEDIS)

IntroductionInfections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales are frequent and associated with high rates of mortality. Intestinal carriers are at increased risk of infection by these microorganisms. Decolonisation strategies with antibiotics have...

Association between Timing of Colonization and Risk of Developing Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase-Producing K. pneumoniae Infection in Hospitalized Patients.

ABSTRACTColonization by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) is associated with the risk of developing KPC-Kp infection. The impact of the time elapsed since a patient becomes colonized on this risk is not well known. An observational, prospective, longitudinal cohort study of colonized patients undergoing active rectal culture screening to rule out KPC-Kp colonization (July 2012 to November 2017). Patients with a positive culture at inclusion (colonized at start of follow-up) and those with a negative culture at inclusion who became colonized within 90 days (colonized during follow-up) were included in the analysis. CART analysis was used to dichotomize variables according to their association with infection. Kaplan–Meier infection-free survival curves and the log-rank test were used for group comparisons. Logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with KPC-Kp infection. Among 1310 patients included, 166 were colonized at the end of follow-up. Forty-seven out of 118 patients colonized at start of follow-up developed infection (39.8%) versus 31 out of 48 patients colonized during follow-up (64.6%; P = 0.006). Variables associated with KPC-Kp infection in the logistic regression analysis were: colonization detection during follow-up (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.07 to 7.04; P = 0.03), Giannella risk score (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.32 to 1.73; P < 0.001), high-risk ward (OR, 4.77; 95% CI, 1.61 to 14.10; P = 0.005) and urological manipulation after admission (OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.08 to 12.60; P = 0.04). In 25 out of 31 patients (80.6%) colonized during follow-up who developed KPC-Kp infection, infection appeared within 15 days after colonization. The risk of KPC-Kp infection was higher when colonization is recently acquired during hospitalization. In this prospective study, we concluded that the timing of colonization was a factor to assess when considering empirical treatment for suspected KPC-Kp infection and prophylaxis or infection control.IMPORTANCE In this study, it was confirmed that patients who became colonized during hospitalization had a higher risk of developing KPC-Kp infection than hospitalized patients who were already colonized at the start of follow-up. Besides, the risk of infection in the group of patients who became colonized during follow-up was greater in the first weeks immediately after colonization was confirmed. Our findings support the need for designing preventive strategies for patients at the highest risk of infection development, including those admitted in high-risk hospital wards and those undergoing urological procedures.

Optimizing aminoglycoside selection for KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae with the aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme (AME) gene aac(6')-Ib.

KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) isolates commonly co-harbour the aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme (AME) gene aac(6')-Ib, which encodes an AME that can confer resistance to some of the commercially available aminoglycosides. We sought to determine the influence of AAC(6')-Ib in KPC-Kp on the pharmacodynamic activity of aminoglycosides. Six KPC-Kp clinical isolates, three with and three without aac(6')-Ib, were analysed. Using these isolates, the bacterial killing of amikacin, gentamicin and tobramycin was assessed in static time-kill experiments. The pharmacodynamic activity of the aminoglycosides was then assessed in a dynamic one-compartment infection model over 72 h using simulated human pharmacokinetics of once-daily dosing with amikacin (15 mg/kg), gentamicin (5 mg/kg) and tobramycin (5 mg/kg). At clinically relevant aminoglycoside concentrations in time-kill experiments and the dynamic one-compartment model, gentamicin was more active than amikacin or tobramycin against the isolates harbouring aac(6')-Ib. Amikacin, gentamicin and tobramycin all showed progressively reduced bacterial killing with exposure to repeated doses against most isolates in the dynamic one-compartment model. MIC values were generally not a good predictor of gentamicin pharmacodynamic activity against KPC-Kp, but were more reliable for amikacin and tobramycin. Gentamicin may be preferred over amikacin or tobramycin for treatment of KPC-Kp infections. However, gentamicin MICs are not a consistent predictor of its pharmacodynamic activity and unexpected treatment failures are possible.

Ceftazidime-avibactam in the treatment of infections caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: factors associated with clinical efficacy in a single-center cohort

BackgroundInfections caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) are not well represented in pivotal trials with ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI). This study aimed to investigate its efficacy in a single-centre cohort of patients infected with KPC-Kp. MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted of consecutive patients treated for > 72 hours with CAZ-AVI for KPC-Kp infections. Fourteen-day clinical response was considered when none of these criteria were present: i) the patient died before day 14, ii) treatment with CAZ-AVI at day 14 for persistence of symptoms or signs of infection, iii) recurrence. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors predictive of 14-day clinical failure. A propensity score to receive targeted initial treatment with CAZ-AVI was used as a covariate of the analysis. ResultsForty-seven patients were included. The median age was 70 years and the median Charlson index was 4. The most frequent sources of infection were intraabdominal (n = 18; 38.3%) followed by pneumonia (n = 14; 29.8%). Twenty-five patients (53.2%) had septic shock. CAZ-AVI was used as monotherapy in 34 (72.3%) of the cases. CAZ-AVI resistance was detected after CAZ-AVI therapy in six of 47 (12.7%) patients. Thirty-day crude mortality was 23.4% (n = 11). The 14-day clinical response rate was 59.6% (n = 28). Pneumonia (OR 7.57; 95% CI 1.45–39.43; P = 0.01), and INCREMENT-CPE score > 7 points (OR 6.73; 95% CI 1.39–34.94; P = 0.02) were associated with 14-day clinical failure. ConclusionsCAZ-AVI offers an advance for the treatment of KPC-Kp infections. In patients with pneumonia or an INCREMENT-CPE score > 7 points it may be reasonable to use CAZ-AVI in combination.

In vitro interaction of ceftazidime–avibactam in combination with different antimicrobials against KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates

ObjectivesCombination therapy has been recommended when using ceftazidime–avibactam (CAZ–AVI) for the treatment of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp), but the optimal combination is unknown. Six common antimicrobial agents (ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, tigecycline, and ciprofloxacin) were evaluated for synergy with the recently approved cephalosporin–β-lactamase inhibitor combination CAZ–AVI in this study. MethodsDifferent antimicrobial combinations were tested against 13 KPC-Kp, including CAZ–AVI-susceptible (n=11) and resistant (n=2) clinical isolates. In vitro interactions of CAZ–AVI with different antimicrobials were tested using the gradient synergy test. Changes in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value were interpreted using the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index and susceptible breakpoint index (SBPI). ResultsThe combination of CAZ–AVI with gentamicin or ciprofloxacin displayed no synergism against any of the KPC-Kp isolates, whereas synergistic activity was observed with imipenem and meropenem against all KPC-Kp isolates. Notably, CAZ–AVI reduced MICs for meropenem and imipenem below the resistance breakpoints against all strains. The SBPI analysis showed that CAZ–AVI in combination with imipenem achieved higher SBPI values than other CAZ–AVI-based combinations. ConclusionsThese data suggest that combinations of CAZ–AVI with imipenem may be considered a useful therapeutic option for the treatment of KPC-Kp infections.

Population Pharmacokinetics of High-Dose Continuous-Infusion Meropenem and Considerations for Use in the Treatment of Infections Due to KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

We assessed the population pharmacokinetics of high-dose continuous-infusion (HDCI) meropenem in a cohort of patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) infections. Monte Carlo simulations were used to define the permissible HDCI meropenem regimens that could be safely considered for the treatment of KPC-Kp infections due to meropenem-resistant strains. Permissible doses were arbitrarily defined as those associated with a ≤10% to 15% likelihood of meropenem steady-state concentrations (Css) of >100 mg/liter. Probabilities of target attainment (PTA) of four incremental pharmacodynamic determinants for meropenem efficacy (100% T>1×MIC, 100% T>2×MIC, 100% T>3×MIC, and 100% T>4×MIC, where "T>MIC" represents the time during which the plasma concentration of this time-dependent antibacterial agent is maintained above the MIC for the pathogen) in relation to different classes of renal function were calculated. The cumulative fractions of response (CFR) for the permissible HDCI meropenem regimens were calculated against the MIC distribution of the KPC-Kp clinical isolates that were collected routinely at our University Hospital between 2013 and 2016 (n = 169). Ninety-seven meropenem Css were included in the analysis. The final model included creatinine clearance (CrCL) as a covariate and explained 94% of the population variability. Monte Carlo simulations based on licensed dosages of up to 6 g/day predicted an acceptable PTA (>80%) of 100% T>1×MIC against KPC-Kp with a meropenem MIC of ≤32 mg/liter in patients with a CrCL level of <130 ml/min. Dosages of 8 g/day were needed for achieving the same target in patients with CrCL at levels of 130 to 200 ml/min. In dealing with pathogens with a meropenem MIC of 64 mg/liter, HDCI regimens using meropenem at higher than licensed levels should be considered. In these cases, real-time therapeutic drug monitoring could be a useful adjunct for optimized care. The predicted CFR were >75% in all of the classes of renal function.

Risk factors and predictors of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii mortality in critically ill bacteraemic patients over a 6-year period (2010-15): antibiotics do matter.

Purpose. Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa provoke serious infections, especially in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.Methodology. The risk factors and predictors of mortality for P. aeruginosa (n=84; 46 carbapenem-resistant) and A. baumannii (n=129; all carbapenem-resistant) bloodstream infections (BSIs) in an ICU were evaluated. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the agar disk diffusion method according to EUCAST guidelines. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by a gradient method (Etest). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed for P. aeruginosa during the carbapenem-resistant outbreak in 2014. Epidemiological data were collected from the patients' chart reviews.Results/Key findings. Hospitalization during the summer months, prior KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) BSI, and the administration of tigecycline, aminoglycosides and cortisone were independently associated with P. aeruginosa BSIs. MLST revealed the dissemination of clone ST227, including carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. Hospitalization during the summer months, prior KPC-Kp BSI, and the administration of antibiotics, carbapenem and cortisone were independently associated with A. baumannii BSIs. The 30-day mortality rate for P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii BSI was 45.2 and 39.5 %, respectively. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at onset, septic shock, age, and prior KPC-Kp BSI were significantly associated with P. aeruginosa BSI mortality. The administration of at least one active antibiotic was identified as a predictor of a good prognosis. Septic shock and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) II at onset were independently associated with A. baumannii BSI mortality. The administration of at least one active antibiotic and colistin-vancomycin co-administration were identified as predictors of a good prognosis.Conclusion. KPC-Kp infection predisposes ICU patients to BSI by either A. baumannii or P. aeruginosa. The administration of at least one active antibiotic leads to better survival rates.

Whole Genome Sequencing for Investigation of a Hospital Outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC)–Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPN) Linked with an Index Case of Community-Acquired KPC-Producing KPN Infection

Whole Genome Sequencing for Investigation of a Hospital Outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC)–Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPN) Linked with an Index Case of Community-Acquired KPC-Producing KPN Infection

Association of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae colonization or infection with Candida isolation and selection of non-albicans species

Clinical specimens from 565 patients hospitalized in 2 intensive care units (ICUs A and B) during a 28-month period were cultured on appropriate media for isolation of Candida. Forty-nine (9%) patients had at least a Candida spp.–positive sample. Candida albicans was the predominant species isolated from 26 (53%) patients. Seventeen patients (3%) developed candidemia. Multivariate analysis showed that obesity, female gender, hospitalization during summer months, admission at ICU B, parenteral nutrition, administration of metronidazole, transplantation, and KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) infection were independently associated with Candida spp. isolation. Candidemia was associated with cortisone administration, KPC-Kp infection, and presence of colostomy or abdominal catheter. Administration of fluconazole was a protective factor for both Candida spp. isolation and infection, leading to selection of Candida non-albicans species. Among several risk factors, KPC-Kp infection and colonization are identified as statistically significant factors associated with Candida isolation, especially of non-albicans species.

Oral gentamicin gut decontamination for prevention of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae infections: relevance of concomitant systemic antibiotic therapy.

Gut colonization represents the main source for KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) epidemic dissemination. Oral gentamicin, 80 mg four times daily, was administered to 50 consecutive patients with gut colonization by gentamicin-susceptible KPC-Kp in cases of planned surgery, major medical intervention, or need for patient transfer. The overall decontamination rate was 68% (34/50). The median duration of gentamicin treatment was 9 days (interquartile range, 7 to 15 days) in decontaminated patients compared to 24 days (interquartile range, 20 to 30 days) in those with persistent colonization (P<0.001). In the six-month period of follow-up, KPC-Kp infections were documented in 5/34 (15%) successfully decontaminated patients compared to 12/16 (73%) persistent carriers (P<0.001). The decontamination rate was 96% (22/23) in patients receiving oral gentamicin only, compared to 44% (12/27) of those treated with oral gentamicin and concomitant systemic antibiotic therapy (CSAT) (P<0.001). The multivariate analysis confirmed CSAT and KPC-Kp infection as the variables associated with gut decontamination. In the follow-up period, KPC-Kp infections were documented in 2/23 (9%) of patients treated with oral gentamicin only and in 15/27 (56%) of those also receiving CSAT (P=0.003). No difference in overall death rate between different groups was documented. Gentamicin-resistant KPC-Kp strains were isolated from stools of 4/16 persistent carriers. Peak gentamicin blood levels were below 1 mg/liter in 12/14 tested patients. Oral gentamicin was shown to be potentially useful for gut decontamination and prevention of infection due to KPC-Kp, especially in patients not receiving CSAT. The risk of emergence of gentamicin-resistant KPC-Kp should be considered.