Detection of blaKPC-2 in Proteus mirabilis in Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing isolates pose a major worldwide public health problem today. Methods: A carbapenem-resistant Proteus mirabilis clinical isolate was investigated for plasmid profiles and the occurrence of β-lactamase genes. Results: The isolate exhibited resistance to ertapenem and imipenem and was susceptible to meropenem, polymyxin, and tigecycline. Five plasmids were identified in this isolate. DNA sequencing analysis revealed the presence of blaKPC-2 and blaTEM-1 genes. An addit ional PCR using plasmid DNA confirmed that blaKPC-2 was present in one of these plasmids. Conclusions: We report the detection of blaKPC-2 in P. mirabilis in Brazil for the first time. This finding highlights the continuous transfer of blaKPC between bacterial genera, which presents a serious challenge to the prevention of infection by multidrug-resistant bacteria.