What is the significance of carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae, and how has it evolved in Romania?
Label:chem
Topic
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant pathogen that often colonizes the gastrointestinal tract and causes various infections, including bloodstream, urinary, and respiratory infections. The rise in carbapenem-resistant strains, especially those producing enzymes like K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM), Oxacillinase 48 (OXA48), or combinations (NDM+OXA48-like), poses a significant threat across Europe, notably in Romania. These strains spread rapidly via mobile genetic elements, complicating treatment.
From: "Emergence of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Romanian Infectious Diseases Hospital", Pathogens 2025, 14(9), 859;
Answer
The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in Romania has significantly increased from 4.9% in 2010 to 41.6% in 2024. This rise is associated with increased antibiotic consumption, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the emergence of strains producing NDM+OXA48-like carbapenemases, which have become the dominant type in recent years, posing a significant threat to public health.
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