Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6115985 | Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease | 2013 | 5 Pages |
Abstract
A prospective observational study of 226 intensive care unit (ICU) patients was conducted during a 25-month period. Rectal samples were taken at day 1, 4, and 7 and, afterwards, once weekly. Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified using standard techniques, whereas the presence of blaKPC gene was confirmed by PCR. During ICU stay, 72.6% of the patients were colonized with Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPC)-producing K. pneumoniae (KPC-Kp). Male gender, prior bed occupants, and patients in nearby beds colonized with KPC-Kp, tracheotomy, number of invasive catheters inserted, and number of antibiotics administered were the major risk factors for KPC-Kp colonization. ICU mortality (35.4%) was significantly related to Simplified Acute Physiology II score and respiratory insufficiency upon admission, cortisone administration, aminoglycoside administration, confirmed KPC-Kp infection, and severe sepsis or septic shock. The high prevalence of KPC-Kp enteric carriage in ICU patients and the significant mortality associated with KPC-Kp infection dictate the importance of early identification and isolation of such carriers.
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Authors
Matthaios Papadimitriou-Olivgeris, Markos Marangos, Fotini Fligou, Myrto Christofidou, Christina Sklavou, Sophia Vamvakopoulou, Evangelos D. Anastassiou, Kriton S. Filos,