International Journal of General Medicine (Nov 2019)
Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: Microbiology Key Points for Clinical Practice
Abstract
Jorge Reyes,1,2 Ana Cristina Aguilar,1,3 Andrés Caicedo1,3,4 1Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Instituto de Microbiología, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito 17-09-01, Ecuador; 2Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador; 3Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud (COCSA), Escuela de Medicina, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito 17-12-841, Ecuador; 4Sistemas Médicos (SIME), Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito 17-12-841, EcuadorCorrespondence: Jorge ReyesInstituto de Microbiología, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Pampite S/N, Quito 17-09-01, EcuadorTel +593 98 44 9 00 22Email [email protected]: Carbapenemase–producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains (Cp-Kpn) represent a challenge for clinical practitioners due to their increasing prevalence in hospital settings and antibiotic resistance. Clinical practitioners are often overwhelmed by the extensive list of publications regarding Cp-Kpn infections, treatment, characteristics, identification, and diagnosis. In this perspective article, we provide key points for clinical practitioners to consider for improved patient management including identification of risk factors and strategies for treatment. Additionally, we also discuss genetic underpinnings of antibiotic resistance, implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP), and use of automated systems for detection of Cp-Kpn. Collectively, implementation of such key points would enhance clinical practices through providing practical knowledge to health professionals worldwide.Keywords: carbapenemase–producing Klebsiella pneumonia, clinical practitioners, management
