Large hospital outbreak of KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: investigating mortality and the impact of screening for KPC-2 with polymerase chain reaction

KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae mainly affect severely ill patients. Half of the cases developed clinical infection, associated with increased risk of death. As PCR accelerates isolation and provides the opportunity for preventive measures in colonized cases, its use should be implemented promptly during outbreaks. Further studies are needed to enhance knowledge about KPC detection patterns and to adjust screening guidelines.