Epidemiological and Molecular Characteristics of and Co-Occurrence Carbapenem-Resistant .

Objective: Carbapenem-resistant (CRKP) has emerged and spread worldwide. It can usually cause a serious threat complicating treatment options in clinical settings. However, treatment options are limited. The present study investigates the prevalence and genetic characteristics of and  co-harboring clinical isolates of .

Methods: In this study, Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the carbapenem-resistant genes, and the broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibacterial drugs. The transferability of carbapenem-resistant phenotypes was examined using filter mating assays. Overall, we used Illumina sequencing to evaluate the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of and (genes encoding carbapenemase) co-occurrence in CRKP strains.

Results: All strains exhibited resistance to carbapenems and other antibiotics. However, they were still susceptible to polymyxin E. Among them, 18 isolates were positive for , , and multiple virulence determinants, such as genes encoding the virulence factor aerobactin, yersiniabactin, and the regulator of the mucoid phenotype ( and ). Whole genome sequencing revealed that the 18 CRKP strains belonged to ST11 and capsular serotype KL64, and could be grouped into two evolutionary branches. Furthermore, these strains displayed hypervirulence potential since all of them carried pLVPK-like plasmid.

Conclusion: These findings suggested that ST11-KL64 CRKP strains are major threats in terms of nosocomial infections in this hospital. Hence, new strategies should be urgently developed to monitor, diagnose, and treat this high-risk CRKP clone.