[First isolation of metallo-beta-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strain in Poland].

Background: Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL) are the enzymes that are able to hydrolyse almost the full range of beta-lactame antibiotics--penicillins, cephalosporins and carbapenems. The latter are the drugs of choice for treatment of serious infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae strains, which produce extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases. The presence of MBL-producing strains markedly decreases the therapeutic possibilities in severe, life-threatening infections.