Spread of NDM-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a tertiary Greek hospital

Abstract Bacterial carbapenem resistance, especially when mediated by transferable carbapenemases, is of important public health concern. An increased number metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated in a tertiary hospital Thessaloniki, Greece, called for further genetic investigation. The study included 29 non-repetitive resistant K. isolates phenotypically characterized as MBL-producers collected Greece. were screened the detection carbapenemase genes ( bla KPC ), Verona-integron-encoded MBL-1 VIM-1 imipenemase IMP oxacillinase-48 OXA-48 ) and New Delhi MBL NDM )). relationship was determined Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. whole genome sequences (WGS) from two NDM-positive characterized. presence gene confirmed all isolates, while co-detected one respectively. RAPD analysis showed that clustered into groups. sequence revealed they belonged to type 11, carried NDM-1 gene, exhibited differences plasmids genes. All MBL-producing harbored WGS diversity resistance Continuous surveillance needed detect emergence new clones setting, application antimicrobial stewardship only way reduce spread multi-resistant bacteria.