First Detection of the Plasmid-Mediated Class A Carbapenemase KPC-2 in Clinical Isolates of <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> from South America

Abstract

The plasmid-mediated class A carbapenemase KPC-2 was isolated from unrelated Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in Medellin, Colombia. These KPC enzymes are the first from South America and the second isolation outside of the United States. The expanding geographic spread of KPC carbapenemases underscores the importance of clinical recognition of these enzymes.