Fatal cross infection by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella in two liver transplant recipients

A. J. Mathers, H. L. Cox, H. Bonatti, B. Kitchel, A. K C Brassinga, B. Wispelwey, R. G. Sawyer, T. L. Pruett, K. C. Hazen, J. B. Patel, C. D. Sifri

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

74 Scopus citations

Abstract

Members of the family Enterobacteriaceae including Klebsiella have re-emerged as major pathogens in solid organ transplantation. The recent appearance and dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Europe and the northeastern United States represents a major challenge to the treatment of enteric gram-negative bacterial infections in immunocompromised patients; however, few reports have detailed the outcomes of such infections. Here we report 2 cases of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Klebsiella infections in orthotopic liver transplant recipients, which were the index case and initial secondary case for an outbreak of KPC-producing Enterobacteriaceae in our institution. In both instances, the pathogens were initially misidentified as being carbapenem sensitive, the infections recurred after cessation of directed therapy, and the patients ultimately succumbed to their infections.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)257-265
Number of pages9
JournalTransplant Infectious Disease
Volume11
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2009

Keywords

  • Carbapenem
  • Carbapenemase
  • Enterobacteriaeae
  • KPC
  • Klebsiella
  • Liver transplantation
  • Resistance
  • β-lactam

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fatal cross infection by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella in two liver transplant recipients'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this