KPC-2 carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa reaching Germany

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance due to carbapenemase expression poses a worldwide threat in healthcare. Inter-genus exchange of genetic information is of utmost importance in this context.

Objectives: Here, to the best of our knowledge, we describe the first detection and characterization of a KPC-2-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Germany.

Methods: Characterization of the isolate was performed using MALDI-TOF MS, automated microdilution and MLST. Carbapenemase detection was performed using phenotypic and genotypic assays. The blaKPC-2-carrying plasmid was transformed into Escherichia coli NEB® 10-beta. The purified plasmid DNA was sequenced using the Illumina technique.

Results: The isolate expressed ST235 and was resistant to carbapenems. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed colistin to be the only antimicrobial agent active in vitro. The blaKPC-2 gene was located on a replicon type lncHI1 plasmid as part of Tn4401.

Conclusions: The first detection (to the best of our knowledge) of plasmid-encoded KPC-2 in P. aeruginosa in Germany may point to a currently underestimated spread of carbapenemases among clinically relevant Gram-negative bacteria. Here, to the best of our knowledge, we also provide the first report of blaKPC-2 associated with the IncHI1 plasmid.