PREVALENCE OF CARBAPENEM-RESISTANT Klebsiella pneumoniae IN HOSPITAL SAMPLES

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae is commonly associated with Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) due to their potential for resistance to antimicrobial agents and the severity of the infections they cause. In hospital environments, the presence of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strains causes great concern due to the worsening of the health conditions of infected patients and the reduction of therapeutic options. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strains in isolated clinical samples of hospitalized patients, as well as to evaluate the prevalence by sex, age, biological sample and hospital sector. This is a descriptive, retrospective study that used data from a clinical analysis laboratory of a teaching hospital in Minas Gerais, during the year 2023. Of the 111 positive K. pneumoniae strains, 62 were resistant to carbapenems (55,86%). The highest prevalence of resistant strains was found in tracheal aspirate samples (41.9%), and resistance due to the production of serine beta-lactamases was the most recurrent among the samples. Samples from patients admitted to the intensive care unit accounted for 62% of the strains producing serine beta-lactamase. Male patients and those over 51 years of age were the most affected by resistant strains. The data exemplify the concern with the increase in K. pneumoniae resistance associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the importance of correctly identifying microorganisms to ensure appropriate treatment.