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Microbiology Society, Microbial Genomics, 6(7), 2019

DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000349

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Whole-genome sequencing resolves a polyclonal outbreak by extended-spectrum beta-lactam and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Portuguese tertiary-care hospital

This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae has emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen, with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) significantly improving our ability to characterize associated outbreaks. Our study sought to perform a genome-wide analysis of multiclonal K. pneumoniae isolates (n=39; 23 patients) producing extended spectrum beta-lactamases and/or carbapenemases sourced between 2011 and 2016 in a Portuguese tertiary-care hospital. All isolates showed resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and six isolates (five patients) were also carbapenem resistant. Genome-wide-based phylogenetic analysis revealed a topology representing ongoing dissemination of three main sequence-type (ST) clades (ST15, ST147 and ST307) and transmission across different wards, compatible with missing links that can take the form of undetected colonized patients. Two carbapenemase-coding genes were detected: blaKPC-3 , located on a Tn4401d transposon, and blaGES-5 on a novel class 3 integron. Additionally, four genes coding for ESBLs (blaBEL-1 , blaCTX-M-8 , blaCTX-M-15 and blaCTX-M-32 ) were also detected. ESBL horizontal dissemination across five clades is highlighted by the similar genetic environments of blaCTX-M-15 gene upstream of ISEcp1 on a Tn3-like transposon. Overall, this study provides a high-resolution genome-wide perspective on the epidemiology of ESBL and carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae in a healthcare setting while contributing for the adoption of appropriate intervention and prevention strategies.