Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Fermenting and Non-Fermenting Rods Isolated from Hospital Patients in Poland—What Are They Susceptible to?

Abstract

Gram-negative fermenting and non-fermenting bacteria are important etiological factors of nosocomial and community infections, especially those that produce carbapenemases. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most frequently-detected carbapenemase-producing microorganisms. The predominant type of resistance is metallo-β-lactamase (MBL). These bacteria are predominantly isolated from bronchial alveolar lavage, urine, and blood. Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) strains are always multi-drug-resistant. This significantly limits the treatment options for this type of infection, extends the time of patient hospitalization, and increases the risk of a more severe and complicated disease course. Preventing the transmission of these microorganisms should be a major public health initiative. New antibiotics and treatment regimens offer hope against these infections.

Keywords

• gram-negative rods
• carbapenem resistance
• antimicrobial susceptibility