Overview of the epidemiology and the threat of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPC) resistance

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPCs) confer resistance to nearly all β-lactams. This broad-spectrum drug resistance mechanism has rapidly spread in the United States and is reportedly increasing elsewhere in the world. Thus, the emergence of KPC resistance is a major threat to global health. This article reviews the epidemiology and provides an overview of the dissemination of KPC-producing organisms.

Keywords:

• beta-lactam resistance
• carbapenemase
• drug resistance
• epidemiology
• treatment failure

Disclosure

DA has received research grants from Merck and Pfizer, Inc, and has participated on the speaker’s bureau for Merck. He receives royalties from UpToDate Online. He was supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Physician Faculty Scholar’s Program and a K23 from the NIAID (1K23AI095357-01). LC has received a research grant from Merck, Inc, is a speaker for Cubist and Optimer Pharmaceuticals, a consultant and writes for Medscape, and receives royalties from UpToDate Online. DP has received research support for other projects and has appeared on advisory boards for Merck, AstraZeneca, Cubist, Pfizer, Novartis, and Leo Pharmaceuticals.