Distribution of β-Lactamase Genes and Genetic Context of blaKPC-2 in Clinical Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates

Abstract

The <i>bla</i> _KPC-2 genes related to divergent mobile genetic elements encoded on transferable plasmids may transfer widely, facilitating the spread of carbapenem resistance among bacteria with different genetic backgrounds. The dissemination of <i>bla</i> _KPC-bearing plasmids that collectively carry additional multidrug resistance genes has caused widespread public concern, further limiting the antibiotics available to treat infections caused by KPC-producing pathogens.