Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in elderly frail patients admitted to medical wards

Abstract

Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPKP) is rapidly emerging as a leading nosocomial infection in many countries, especially in Italy where it is considered endemic. In this paper we briefly summarize the main characteristics of this outbreak, focusing on its recent spread to elderly frail patients admitted to internal medicine and geriatric wards. Severity of disease, clinical complexity and a large number of comorbidities seem to be major risk factors in clinical practice, although scientific evidence is still lacking, since until now studies have been carried out mainly in intensive care settings. We also discuss the possible role of gut microbiota in CPKP colonization onset and the possible role of pre-probiotics in promoting eradication.