Emergence of four cases of KPC-2 and KPC-3-carrying Klebsiella pneumoniae introduced to Switzerland, 2009-10

Abstract

We report four epidemiologically unrelated cases of KPC-carrying Klebsiella pneumoniae identified in Switzerland between May 2009 and November 2010. Three cases were transferred from Italy (two KPC-3, one KPC-2) and one from Greece (KPC-2). Resistance to colistin and doxycycline emerged in one KPC-3- carrying K. pneumoniae strain during therapy. These results demonstrate ongoing dissemination of KPC throughout Europe. Rapid and reliable identification of KPC and implementation of control measures is essential to limit spread.