Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in the intensive care unit: a real challenge to physicians, scientific community, and society

Shock. 2013 May:39 Suppl 1:32-7. doi: 10.1097/SHK.0b013e31828faf1f.

Abstract

The prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, especially in intensive care units, has increased and represents a great concern for medical and scientific community. Infections caused by these pathogens are associated with increased costs, length of hospitalization, and morbidity/mortality rates. The last decade was marked by the spread of carbapenem resistance determinants especially in Enterobacteriaceae isolates. In this review, the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae is used as an example to discuss the difficulties in dealing with multidrug-resistant pathogens in the intensive care unit setting and how they represent a challenge to the medical-scientific community and, ultimately, the whole society.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / drug effects
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / enzymology*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • beta-Lactamases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • beta-Lactamases
  • carbapenemase