Rapid detection of blaKPC carbapenemase genes by real-time PCR.

Carbapenem resistance among Enterobacteriaceae is an emerging problem worldwide. Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (bla(KPC)) enzymes are among the most common beta-lactamases described. In this study, we report the development and validation of a real-time PCR (q-PCR) assay for the detection of bla(KPC) genes using TaqMan chemistry.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in neonatal intensive care unit.

A neonatal intensive care unit outbreak was caused by a strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus previously found in the community (ST45-MRSA-IV). Fifteen infected neonates were identified, 2 of whom died. This outbreak illustrates how a rare community pathogen can rapidly spread through nosocomial transmission.