Infection by Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Renal Transplant Recipients

Abstract

There is a tendency to increase the number of cases of infection by multidrug-resistant bacteria, in view of the indiscriminate and sometimes excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in the hospital environment. These infections have generated great impact, especially in immunosuppressedpatients undergoing solid organ transplantation. National data revealed a significant increase in the rates of infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria. The present study aimed to evaluate the incidence and demographics of health care-related infections by carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (KPC). This is an observational, retrospective, descriptive study conducted at a single center (Kidney Hospital) with evaluation of the outcomes of kidney transplant recipients with KPC infection between November 2009 and December 2015. In our center, KPC bloodstream infection had the highest prevalence, followed by urinary tract infection. The overall 30-day mortality was 36%, similar to that found in the international literature. Infection with multidrug-resistant bacteria is a serious clinical condition in transplant patients and poses a therapeutic challenge.