KPC with ESBL: A multistarrer tragedy

Background: One of the most dangerous carbapenemase is Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase or KPC, possessing the ability to hydrolyze the Carbapenems, and other beta-lactams as well like Penecillins, Cephalosporins, and aztreonam. Many members of the family Enterobacteriaceae and few other non-fermenters contain the gene bIaKPC, which codes for the enzyme KPC, and hence this is transferrable. Although the reports of KPC producers are scanty from India, it is still a dark cloud on the horizon, with the ability to overcast the sky. Our main aim was to identify KPC producing isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae in our Tertiary care Medical Institution. Materials and Methods: Over a 3 months period, we collected 54 isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae from different samples. We performed sensitivity against a variety of antibiotics including 3 Carbapenems, 3 extended spectrum Cephalosporins, and co-amoxyclav, both by disc diffusion and E-test against Ertapenem. Results: Out of 54 isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 38 (70.37%) showed resistance towards Ertapenem. Among these 38 isolates, 8 (14.81%) were found to be KPC producers. They were ESBL producers also. Conclusions: Ertapenem resistance is the most sensitive phenotypic marker for detecting KPC. Also, KPC shows resistance to the extended spectrum Cephalosporins. We found 38 isolates showing reduced susceptibility to Ertapenem (by MIC) - thus raising the chance of harbouring the enzyme. Truly, 8 among were confirmed as KPC and ESBL producers. All the microbiology laboratories should routinely search for KPC producers, using Ertapenem as a marker followed by confirmation with the three extended, spectrum Cephalosporins.