KPC-producing Klebsiella Pneumoniae Isolates Research Articles

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.

The Effect of β-Lactam Antibiotics on the Evolution of Ceftazidime/Avibactam and Cefiderocol Resistance in KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

In this study, we aimed to clarify the evolutionary trajectory of a Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) population during β-lactam antibiotic therapy. Five KPC-Kp isolates were collected from a single patient. Whole-genome sequencing and a comparative genomics analysis were performed on the isolates and all blaKPC-2-containing plasmids to predict the population evolution process. Growth competition and experimental evolution assays were conducted to reconstruct the evolutionary trajectory of the KPC-Kp population in vitro. Five KPC-Kp isolates (KPJCL-1 to KPJCL-5) were highly homologous, and all harbor an IncFII blaKPC-containing plasmid (pJCL-1 to pJCL-5). Although the genetic structures of these plasmids were almost identical, distinct copy numbers of the blaKPC-2 gene were detected. A single copy of blaKPC-2 was presented in pJCL-1, pJCL-2, and pJCL-5, two copies of blaKPC (blaKPC-2 and blaKPC-33) were presented in pJCL-3, and three copies of blaKPC-2 were presented in pJCL-4. The blaKPC-33-harboring KPJCL-3 isolate presented resistance to ceftazidime-avibactam and cefiderocol. The blaKPC-2 multicopy strain KPJCL-4 had an elevated ceftazidime-avibactam MIC. The patient had been exposed to ceftazidime, meropenem, and moxalactam, after which KPJCL-3 and KPJCL-4 were isolated, which both showed a significant competitive advantage under antimicrobial pressure in vitro. Experimental evolution assays revealed that blaKPC-2 multicopy-containing cells were increased in the original single-copy blaKPC-2-harboring KPJCL-2 population under selection with ceftazidime, meropenem, or moxalactam, generating a low-level ceftazidime-avibactam resistance phenotype. Moreover, blaKPC-2 mutants with a G532T substitution, G820 to C825 duplication, G532A substitution, G721 to G726 deletion, and A802 to C816 duplication increased in the blaKPC-2 multicopy-containing KPJCL-4 population, generating high-level ceftazidime-avibactam resistance and reduced cefiderocol susceptibility. Ceftazidime-avibactam and cefiderocol resistance can be selected by β-lactam antibiotics other than ceftazidime-avibactam. Notably, blaKPC-2 gene amplification and mutation are important in KPC-Kp evolution under antibiotic selection.

142. Evaluation of Meropenem-Vaborbactam Susceptibility and Underlying Resistance Mechanisms among Clinical KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

Abstract Background Meropenem-vaborbactam (MV) is the first carbapenem/β-lactamase inhibitor combination developed to restore meropenem susceptibility against KPC-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales(CRE). Vaborbactam (VAB) potently inhibits Ambler class A and C β-lactamases by reversible covalent binding of boronate to serine side chains of β-lactamases. Resistance to MV in non-metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) isolates has been described but remains rare. We sought to identify the major molecular mechanisms associated with MV resistance in KPC-producing KP (KPC-KP) isolates. Methods Clinical isolates with elevated MV MICs were identified by the consult service. Additional clinical isolates with mutations in ompK35 or ompK36 genes were selected from a historic database. Isolates with MBL or OXA-48-like genes were excluded. Controls were comprised of MV susceptible KPC-KP isolates. MICs determination was done using Sensititre automated broth microdilution (BMD) according to CLSI. VAB and avibactam concentrations were held at 8 µg/ml and 4 µg/ml, respectively. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on all isolates. Genome libraries were prepared using Illumina Nextera XT and sequencing was performed on MiSeq and MinION. Results A total 119 KPC-KP isolates were included in the study. All isolates were resistant to meropenem. Twenty-one KPC-KP with elevated MV MICs were identified. All MV resistant isolates harbored mutations in ompK36 genes. Glycine/aspartate (GD 134-135) insertion, premature stop codon in ompK36 genes, and concomitantly elevated blaKPC copy number were predominant among MV resistant isolates. No insertion elements in ompK36 gene promoter region were found. Two MV resistant isolates exhibited unique mutations in blaKPC and envZ genes. See table for WGS and MIC results. Table 1.Whole genome sequencing and MICs of MV resistant KPC-KP isolatesα: Truncated at nodes 14 and 76, partial genotype consistent with blaSHV-12WT: Wild type*: Premature stop codonGD: Duplication of Glycine (G134) and Aspartate (D135)FS: Frameshift mutationins: insertionMEM: meropenemMVB: meropenem-vaborbactamCZA: ceftazidime-avibactamCFD: cefiderocolN/A: not availableTable 2.Whole genome sequencing and MICs of MV susceptible KPC-KP isolates Conclusion MV resistant KPC-KP isolates were reliably analyzed using WGS to reveal the contribution of omp gene mutations and blaKPC copy number to this phenotype. Elevated MV MICs were additionally recognized among clinical isolates from a historic database preceding MV availability. In the absence of MBL production, caution remains warranted with the use of MV empirically against KPC-KP due to non-β-lactamase mediated resistance mechanisms. Disclosures Daniel D. Rhoads, M.D. PhD, Luminex: Advisor/Consultant|Talis Biomedical: Advisor/Consultant|Thermo Fisher: Advisor/Consultant Federico Perez, M.D., Accelerate: Grant/Research Support|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support Robert A. Bonomo, MD, NIH VA: Grant/Research Support|VenatoRx Merck Wockhardt Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Grant/Research Support.

Proof‑of‑concept study to quantify changes in intestinal loads of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in colonised patients following selective digestive decontamination with oral gentamicin

To monitor quantitatively the extent of intestinal colonisation by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) in colonised patients who receive selective digestive decontamination (SDD) with oral gentamicin. We developed a real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR) method for determination of the relative load of blaKPC (RLKPC) within the gut microbiota. Clinical validation was performed using a culture method as the gold standard and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. Fifteen patients were observationally and prospectively followed for one year. Clinical, microbiological variables and rectal swab samples were collected at 0 (baseline), 14 and 30 days and monthly thereafter. Clinical validation performed on 111 rectal swab samples demonstrated that the PCR method detected 17% more positives than theculture method. ROC curve analysis documented excellent agreement between both methods (area under the curve, 0.96; 95% confidence interval 0.93-0.99). The RLKPC decreased in 6/15 (40%) and 7/12 (58.3%) patients on days 14 and 30, respectively. Persistent eradication was observed in 2/12 (16.7%), 3/9 (33.3%), 4/8 (50%) and 7/8 (87.5%) patients at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively, with a median time of 150 days (range 30-270) to persistent eradication. Gentamicin-resistant KPC-Kp isolates were identified in 4/15 (26.7%) patients. The rates of infections (57.1% vs. 12.5%, P=0.119) and deaths (71.4% vs. 0%, P=0.007) were higher among patients with high baseline RLKPC. Following SDD, a rapid reduction on intestinal load is observed when the colonising KPC-Kp isolate is susceptible to gentamicin; however, persistent eradication at the end of SDD is low. Intestinal carriage of KPC-Kp persists after three months in about one third of patients.

In vitro activity of cefiderocol against ceftazidime-avibactam susceptible and resistant KPC-producing Enterobacterales: cross-resistance and synergistic effects.

To assess the in vitro activity of cefiderocol (CFDC) against a collection of both ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) susceptible and resistant KPC-producingEnterobacterales (KPC-EB) isolates. Secondly, to assess its synergistic activity in combination with different antibiotics. One hundred KPC-EB isolates were tested: 60 CZA susceptible and 40 CZA resistant. Among them, 17 pairs of CZA susceptible and resistant KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) isolates were collected from 17 distinct patients before and after CZA treatment, respectively. CFDC susceptibility was evaluated by both broth microdilution (lyophilized panels; Sensititre; Thermo Fisher) and disk diffusion testing. Results were interpreted using EUCAST breakpoints. Synergistic activity of CFDC in combination with CZA, meropenem-vaborbactam, imipenem, and amikacin against six characterized KPC-Kp strains, before and after acquisition of CZA resistance, was evaluated using gradient diffusion strip crossing method. CFDC resistance rate was significantly higher in CZA resistant EB subset than in the susceptible one (p < 0.001): 82.5% vs 6.7%. MIC50 and MIC90 values were 0.25 and 2mg/L, 8 and 64mg/L in CZA-susceptible and CZA-resistant subset, respectively. KPC-Kp isolates harboring KPC-D179Y or KPC-Δ242-GT-243 variants showed CFDC MICs ranging from 4 to 64mg/L. CFDC showed in vitro synergistic effect mostly with CZA, against both CZA susceptible and resistant isolates, resulting in a synergy rate of 66.7%. CZA resistance mechanisms in KPC-EB impair the in vitro activity of CFDC, often leading to co-resistance. CFDC in combination with the new β-lactamases inhibitors might represent a strategy to enhance its activity.

Generating Genotype-Specific Aminoglycoside Combinations with Ceftazidime/Avibactam for KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Antibiotic combinations, including ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZ/AVI), are frequently employed to combat KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp), though such combinations have not been rationally optimized. Clinical KPC-Kp isolates with common genes encoding aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AMEs), aac(6')-Ib' or aac(6')-Ib, were used in static time-kill assays (n = 4 isolates) and the hollow-fiber infection model (HFIM; n = 2 isolates) to evaluate the activity of gentamicin, amikacin, and CAZ/AVI alone and in combinations. A short course, one-time aminoglycoside dose was also evaluated. Gentamicin plus CAZ/AVI was then tested in a mouse pneumonia model. Synergy with CAZ/AVI was more common with amikacin for aac(6')-Ib'-containing KPC-Kp but more common with gentamicin for aac(6')-Ib-containing isolates in time-kill assays. In the HFIM, although the isolates were aminoglycoside-susceptible at baseline, aminoglycoside monotherapies displayed variable initial killing, followed by regrowth and resistance emergence. CAZ/AVI combined with amikacin or gentamicin resulted in undetectable counts 50 h sooner than CAZ/AVI monotherapy against KPC-Kp with aac(6')-Ib'. CAZ/AVI monotherapy failed to eradicate KPC-Kp with aac(6')-Ib and a combination with gentamicin led to undetectable counts 70 h sooner than with amikacin. A one-time aminoglycoside dose with CAZ/AVI provided similar killing to aminoglycosides dosed for 7 days. In the mouse pneumonia model (n = 1 isolate), gentamicin and CAZ/AVI achieved a 6.0-log10 CFU/lung reduction at 24 h, which was significantly greater than either monotherapy (P < 0.005). Aminoglycosides in combination with CAZ/AVI were promising for KPC-Kp infections; this was true even for a one-time aminoglycoside dose. Selecting aminoglycosides based on AME genes or susceptibilities can improve the pharmacodynamic activity of the combination.

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.

Reduced Ceftazidime-Avibactam Susceptibility in KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae From Patients Without Ceftazidime-Avibactam Use History - A Multicenter Study in China.

KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-KP) is the most widely spread carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in China. Avibactam is a novel non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor which is highly active against KPC. Recently, ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) was approved for clinical treatment in China. Here we conducted a retrospective study to examine the antimicrobial susceptibility of CAZ-AVI prior to its usage in China, and evaluated the potential to develop resistance in KPC-KP. CAZ-AVI MICs were tested in 347 KPC-KP isolates collected from patients with no prior treatment with this combination from six medical centers in China. Almost all isolates (n = 346; 99.7%) were CAZ-AVI-susceptible, with only 12 (3.5%) which showed reduced susceptibility (MIC ≥ 4/4 μg/ml) or resistance. The 12 isolates belong to ST11 and half of them carry virulence genes. In comparison to susceptible isolates, these isolates demonstrated higher blaKPC–2 copy numbers and expressions, and demonstrated higher frequency of developing CAZ-AVI resistance.

Performance of polymyxin B Etest in a setting of high prevalence of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

ObjectivesPolymyxin resistance has been increasing in many regions, and appropriate determination of polymyxin susceptibility is now a major challenge worldwide. Many clinical laboratories rely on gradient diffusion methods to assess polymyxin susceptibility, although broth microdilution (BMD) is the only method currently recommended by the CLSI and EUCAST. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the polymyxin B (PMB) Etest in a setting with a high prevalence of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-KP). MethodsA commercial Etest susceptibility testing method was evaluated and compared with the reference BMD method, considering isolates with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≤2 mg/L for PMB as susceptible to this drug. A total of 310 clinical KPC-KP isolates were evaluated. ResultsSusceptibility was significantly higher by Etest compared with BMD (82.6% vs. 75.8%). The MIC50, MIC90 and modal MICs for PMB were 0.25, 32 and 0.25 mg/L (27.1%) by BMD and 0.5, 16 and 0.5 mg/L (49.7%) by Etest, respectively. Although categorical agreement was 90.0%, there was poor essential agreement (50.6%). A high rate (34.7%) of very major errors (VMEs) and a relatively low rate (2.1%) of major errors were found. ConclusionThe considerable number of resistant isolates in this study allowed an accurate estimation of VME rates and, consequently, a more comprehensive assessment of susceptibility testing for polymyxins. Etest did not meet fully the acceptance criteria for US FDA requirements. These data do not support the use of this commercial method for determining PMB MICs in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales populations.

Population structure of KPC carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a long-term acute-care rehabilitation facility: identification of a new lineage of clonal group 101, associated with local hyperendemicity.

In this work, we used a whole-genome sequencing (WGS) approach to study the features of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) spreading in a large Italian long-term acute-care rehabilitation facility (LTACRF), and to track the dynamics of dissemination within this setting. Thirty-eight, non-replicated, KPC-Kp isolates from colonized patients (either already colonized at admission or colonized during admission), collected during 2016, were subjected to antimicrobial-susceptibility testing and WGS. All isolates were resistant to β-lactams, with the exception of ceftazidime/avibactam (97.4 % susceptible). The second most effective agent was fosfomycin, followed by colistin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin and amikacin (92.1, 86.8, 60.5, 44.7 and 50 % of susceptibility, respectively). A large proportion of isolates (n=18/38, 47.4%) belonged to clonal group (CG) 101, and most of them (n=15) to a new sequence type (ST) designated as ST2502. All the CG101 isolates had a capsule locus type KL17. The ST2502 harboured the genes encoding for the yersiniabactin siderophore and the ArmA methylase, conferring high-level resistance to aminoglycosides. The second most represented lineage of isolates (16/38, 42.1%) belonged to ST512 of CG258. Analysing WGS data, we were able to ascertain the common origin of some isolates imported from other hospitals, and to track several clusters of in-LTACRF cross-transmissions. The results revealed that, in peculiar epidemiological settings such as LTACRF, new KPC-Kp clones different from those prevailing in acute-care hospitals and associated with uncommon resistance and virulence determinants can successfully emerge and disseminate.

Population Structure of KPC-2-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Surveillance Rectal Swabs in Brazil.

KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) has become an important public health issue. The previous intestinal colonization by KPC-Kp has been an important risk factor associated with the progression to infections. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic characterization of KPC-Kp isolates recovered from human rectal swabs in Brazil. We selected 102 KPC-Kp isolates collected during 2009-2013 in 11 states. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion, E-test, and broth microdilution. The resistance and virulence genes were investigated by PCR. Molecular typing was performed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The isolates were mostly resistant to β-lactams, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, quinolones, and aminoglycosides but susceptible to fosfomycin/trometamol, polymyxin B, and tigecycline. The blaKPC-2 was mostly associated with Tn4401b. Besides that, the isolates carried blaCTX-M, blaSHV, blaTEM, and aac(6')-Ib in high frequency and aac(3')IIa and qnr genes in moderate frequency. The PFGE revealed 26 pulsotypes and MLST performed in representative strains revealed 23 sequence types, 45% belonging to clonal complex 258 (CC258). Isolates of CC258 were found in all states. Seventy percent of the 102 KPC-Kp isolates belonged to CC258-associated pulsotypes. We describe the dissemination of KPC-2-Kp associated with Tn4401b belonging to CC258 colonizing patients in Brazil, which is also prevalent in infected patients, suggesting a clear colonization-infection correlation.

Synergy Testing by E-Test and Microdilution Checkerboard for Fosfomycin Combined with Tigecycline against KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) has become a serious threat to patients worldwide, as the treatment options are limited. The combination of fosfomycin with other antibiotics has been reported but with inconsistent results. Thus, we performed synergy testing of fosfomycin combined with tigecycline by E-test, which was easy to perform and to determine results, compared with microdilution checkerboard, which is considered to be the "gold standard", to evaluate the agreement between the two methods. Thirty non-repetitive KPC-Kp isolates from different patients were included in this study. Bacterial identification and routine antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed by a VITEK 2 Compact automated system. The KPC producing isolates were identified by modified Carbapenem Inhibitory Method (mCIM) and PCR amplification of carbapenemase genes. Synergy testing of fosfomycin combined with tigecycline was performed by E-test (E-test stripes were placed at 90° angle), with microdilution chequerboard performed in parallel. Fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was calculated. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS 18.0 software. All 30 KPC-Kp were mCIM test positive and KPC-2 producing. The susceptibility rates of fosfomycin and tigecycline were 36.7% (11/30) and 63.3% (19/30), respectively. Both checkerboard and E-test results showed that most MICs of fosfomycin and tigecycline decreased in the combination group. FICI showed 13.3% - 16.7% isolates were synergistic, 30.0% - 36.7% were additive, and 50.0% - 53.3% were indifferent. No antagonism was found. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05), and the overall agreement (with FICI difference ≤ 0.25 in each isolate) between the two methods was 76.7% (23/30). The synergy testing results determined by E-test correlated well with microdilution checkerboard. Thus E-test synergy testing has the potential to be used in routine clinical laboratory.

KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream isolates from Brazilian hospitals: What (still) remains active?

This study assessed susceptibility to polymyxin B (PMB) and alternative antimicrobials, with focus on aminoglycosides and tigecycline, according to different breakpoints in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) bloodstream isolates from Brazilian hospitals. Bloodstream K. pneumoniae isolates non-susceptible to any of the three carbapenems (meropenem, imipenem or ertapenem) from four Brazilian tertiary-care hospitals were selected. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined and interpreted according to distinct breakpoints. Twenty-nine PMB-resistant KPC-Kp isolates were selected for molecular typing. A total of 158 KPC-Kp were analysed. MIC50/90 values for PMB were 0.25/16mg/L; 40 isolates (25.3%) were resistant to PMB. MIC50/90 values for meropenem were 32/≥256mg/L; no isolates were susceptible to meropenem according to CLSI, but 10 isolates were intermediate using EUCAST breakpoints (1, MIC=4mg/L; 9, MIC=8mg/L). MIC50/90 values for tigecycline were 2/8mg/L; 53 (33.5%) and 94 (59.5%) isolates were susceptible according to EUCAST and FDA breakpoints, respectively. MIC50/90 values were 32/≥64mg/L for amikacin and ≥16/≥16mg/L for gentamicin; 48 (30.4%), 28 (17.7%) and 16 (10.1%) were susceptible to amikacin according to CLSI, EUCAST and USCAST, respectively, but susceptibility rates to gentamicin were <7.0%. Eighteen distinct clonal profiles were identified among 29 PMB-resistant isolates by DNA macrorestriction. Most clones belonged to CC11. Elevated rates of PMB-resistant KPC-Kp bloodstream infections were found in four Brazilian hospitals, mostly of polyclonal origin. Alternative antimicrobials with the highest in vitro activity were tigecycline and amikacin, although susceptibility rates significantly decreased using criteria with stricter breakpoints (e.g. EUCAST, USCAST).

In vivo evolution of resistant subpopulations of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae during ceftazidime/avibactam treatment.

KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) represent a serious problem worldwide. Herein, we describe the evolution of ceftazidime/avibactam resistance by sequencing longitudinal clinical isolates from a patient with KPC-Kp bloodstream infection undergoing ceftazidime/avibactam treatment. WGS was performed on one ceftazidime/avibactam-susceptible KPC-Kp (BOT-CA-S) and two phenotypically different ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-Kp with low (BOT-CA-R) and high (BOT-EMO) carbapenem MICs. The population diversity was assessed by the frequency of allele mutations and population analysis profiles (PAPs). Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated clonal relatedness of the KPC-Kp isolates, all belonging to the clone ST1519. The D179Y mutation in blaKPC-3 was detected in both of the ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-Kp, whereas it was absent in the ceftazidime/avibactam-susceptible isolate. The mutation emerged independently in the two ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant isolates and was associated with a significant reduction in carbapenem MICs in BOT-CA-R, but not in BOT-EMO. WGS analysis revealed that the frequency of the D179Y mutation was 96.32% and 51.05% in BOT-CA-R and BOT-EMO, respectively. PAP results demonstrated that carbapenem resistance in BOT-EMO was due to the coexistence of mixed subpopulations harbouring WT and mutated blaKPC-3. A bacterial subpopulation with high ceftazidime/avibactam resistance for BOT-EMO KPC-Kp showed low carbapenem MICs, whereas a subpopulation with high meropenem resistance had a low MIC of ceftazidime/avibactam. Our analysis indicates that mixed subpopulations of ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-Kp emerge after ceftazidime/avibactam treatment. The evolution of different subpopulations that are highly resistant to ceftazidime/avibactam likely contributes to treatment failure, thereby highlighting the need for combination treatment strategies to limit selection of ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-Kp subpopulations.

Expansion of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae with various mgrB mutations giving rise to colistin resistance: the role of ISL3 on plasmids

mcr-1 has been reported as the first plasmid-encoded gene conferring colistin resistance. In KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-KP), however, colistin resistance is rapidly emerging through other mechanisms. Resistance is frequently due to disruption of the mgrB gene by insertion sequences, e.g. ISL3. The aim of this study was to investigate the expansion of mgrB-mutated KPC-KP isolates. In addition, the localisation and targets of ISL3 sequences within the core and accessory genome of common KPC-KP lineages were identified. A total of 29 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates collected from Italian patients were randomly selected. Whole genome sequences were analysed for resistance genes, plasmids and insertion sequences. In addition, 27 colistin-resistant KPC-KP isolates from a previous study from Crete (Greece) were assessed. Clonal expansion of KPC-KP isolates with various mutations in mgrB among all lineages was observed. In two Italian MLST ST512 isolates and eight Greek ST258 isolates, an identical copy of ISL3 was inserted in mgrB nucleotide position 133. ISL3, a transposable restriction–modification system of 8154 nucleotides, was located on pKpQIL-like plasmids and may transpose into the chromosome. In four isolates, chromosomal integration of ISL3 in diverse inner membrane proteins other than mgrB was identified. Colistin resistance is most often explained by clonal expansion of isolates with mutated mgrB. pKpQIL-like plasmids, which are omnipresent in KPC-KP, carry insertion sequences such as ISL3 that have mgrB as a target hotspot for transposition. Transposition of insertion sequences from plasmids and subsequent clonal expansion may contribute to the emerging colistin resistance in KPC-KP.

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.

Evolution and dissemination of the Klebsiella pneumoniae clonal group 258 throughout Israeli post-acute care hospitals, 2008-13.

The KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-KP) clonal group (CG) 258 has disseminated throughout Israeli post-acute care hospitals (PACHs). The objectives of the study were (i) to describe the evolution and (ii) to understand the dissemination modes of CG 258 in the PACH system in Israel. KPC-KP surveillance cultures isolates were collected in Israeli PACHs in three national point-prevalence surveys: 2008, 2011 and 2013. CG 258 was identified by pilv-l PCR. WGS was performed for CG 258 isolates from 9 of 14 PACHs and data extracted for core-genome MLST (cgMLST) and for capsule polysaccharide gene cluster analysis. The proportional representation of CG 258 among the KPC-KP isolates increased from 72 of 104 isolates (69.2%) in 2008 to 113 of 133 isolates (85%) in 2011 ( P = 0.004 for 2008 versus 2011) and remained high in 2013 [56 of 67 isolates (83.6%)]. All isolates were related to CG 258 clade 2. cgMLST phylogenetic analysis showed relative convergence in the 2008 survey, with increasing diversification in the subsequent surveys. A predominantly institutional dissemination pattern was observed only in centre F from southern Israel. A predominantly regional dissemination pattern was observed in the two PACHs in Jerusalem. The other PACHs were characterized by a combined institutional and generalized pattern, with the majority of isolates clustering within the same PACH and survey. CG 258 clade 2 has retained its predominance despite increased diversification. Although interchanging of CG 258 strains occurred between most PACHs, local spread is the leading cause of its dissemination.

High ceftazidime hydrolysis activity and porin OmpK35 deficiency contribute to the decreased susceptibility to ceftazidime/avibactam in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

To investigate mechanisms for the decreased susceptibility to ceftazidime/avibactam in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-KP). A total of 24 isolates, 8 each with ceftazidime/avibactam MICs of 4-8, 1-2 and ≤0.5 mg/L, were randomly selected from 214 clinical isolates of KPC-KP, and the β-lactamase hydrolysis activity and porin expression profiles were determined. Plasmid profile and relative expression and copy number of the bla KPC gene were also analysed. Ceftazidime/avibactam MIC 50 and MIC 90 were 2 and 4 mg/L, respectively, for the 214 KPC-KP isolates. The hydrolysis activities of nitrocefin and ceftazidime in both of the ceftazidime/avibactam MIC 4-8 and 1-2 mg/L groups were significantly higher than those of the MIC ≤0.5 mg/L group, while the hydrolysis activities were 4-4.6-fold higher in the MIC 4-8 mg/L group than in the other two groups when 4 mg/L avibactam was added. The relative expression and copy number of the bla KPC gene in the MIC 4-8 mg/L group were 4.2-4.8-fold higher than in the other two groups. Meanwhile, SDS-PAGE showed that all isolates in the two groups with MIC ≥1 mg/L lacked OmpK35, which had either an early frameshift with a premature stop codon ( n = 15, ST11) or overexpression of the negative regulation genes, micF and ompR ( n = 1, ST15), whereas OmpK35 and OmpK36 could both be observed in all isolates with MIC ≤0.5 mg/L. Decreased ceftazidime/avibactam susceptibility in KPC-KP clinical isolates is caused by high ceftazidime hydrolysis activity and OmpK35 porin deficiency and the majority of isolates belong to ST11.

Diversity of the Genetic Environment of the blaKPC-2 Gene Among Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates in a Chinese Hospital.

KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) has been frequently reported worldwide and constitutes a major healthcare threat, given their extensively drug-resistant phenotypes. In this study, we report the characterization of the genetic environment of blaKPC-2 gene in KPC-Kp clinical strains from China belonging to diverse genotypes. Thirty-five nonduplicated KPC-Kp isolates collected in a Chinese hospital during 2012 were analyzed. All were multidrug resistant due to the presence of other resistance determinants, including metallo-β-lactamases (IMP-4, NDM-1), extended-spectrum β-lactamases (CTX-M-14, -15, -3, -10, and SHV-12), 16S rRNA methylases (armA and rmtB), and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants [qnrA, B, S, aac(6')-Ib-cr]. Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), the 35 isolates were grouped into 12 clusters that were further identified as 15 sequence types (STs) by multilocus sequence typing. ST11 K. pneumoniae was the predominant clone attributed to the outbreak. blaKPC-2 was carried in plasmids of various sizes and incompatibility types. The genetic environment analysis, based on genetic structure in the plasmid pKP048, revealed five distinct platforms: the most prevalent structure was the continual occurrence in diverse STs (ST11, ST258, ST340, ST395, ST437, and ST494), harboring plasmid of blaKPC-2 in a genetic environment flanked by ISKpn8 and ISKpn6 like. This study highlights the continued evolution of the genetic environment of the blaKPC-2 gene in our hospital and movement to multiple plasmid backbones that results in acquisition by multiple clones of K. pneumoniae.