Article
Microbiology
Deyan Donchev, Ivan N. N. Ivanov, Ivan Stoikov, Stefana Sabtcheva, Yordan Kalchev, Marianna Murdjeva, Elina Dobreva, Rumyana Hristova
Summary: The study improved and extended the multi-locus VNTR analysis (MLVA) for strain-level differentiation of Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex. The modified scheme (MLVA8+) showed high concordance with classic MLST and provided greater differentiation capability. MLVA8+ also demonstrated its applicability in investigating the intra-hospital spread of carbapenem-resistant producers. It offers improved typing accuracy and extended typing scope for Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Article
Microbiology
Morteza Saki, Mansour Amin, Mohammad Savari, Mohammad Hashemzadeh, Seyed Saeid Seyedian
Summary: This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant classic Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-cKp) and carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKp) isolates in southwestern Iran. The occurrence of MDR CR-hvKp isolates harboring bla(NDM) and bla(GES) was detected for the first time in this region. Long-term surveillance and more effective treatment strategies are needed to prevent the spread of CR-hvKp.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sandip Patil, Hongyu Chen, Chunna Guo, Xiaoli Zhang, Pei-Gen Ren, Ngiambudulu M. Francisco, Feiqiu Wen
Summary: This study investigated the clonal diversity of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from the Shenzhen Children's Hospital, China, and found that these isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics, with bla(NDM) being the most detected gene and ST307 being the predominant sequence type. Plasmid replicon typing revealed that IncFIS, IncHI2, IncFIC, and IncFIA plasmids carried various antibiotic resistance genes.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Celia C. Carlos, Melissa Ana L. Masim, Marietta L. Lagrada, June M. Gayeta, Polle Krystle Macaranas, Sonia B. Sia, Maria Adelina M. Facun, Janziel Fiel C. Palarca, Agnettah M. Olorosa, Gicell Anne C. Cueno, Monica Abrudan, Khalil Abudahab, Silvia Argimon, Mihir Kekre, Anthony Underwood, John Stelling, David M. Aanensen
Summary: A survey on Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in the Philippines found prevalent antibiotic resistance mechanisms including bla(CTX-M-15) and bla(NDM-1). Whole-genome sequencing identified an epidemic plasmid carrying bla(NDM-1) and uncovered three previously unrecognized outbreaks, highlighting the utility of WGS in outbreak detection and public health.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jia Cheng, Man Zhou, Diego B. Nobrega, Herman W. Barkema, Siyu Xu, Mengyue Li, John P. Kastelic, Yuxiang Shi, Bo Han, Jian Gao
Summary: In this study, genetic diversity of Klebsiella pneumoniae causing mastitis was investigated on two large Chinese dairy farms using repetitive element sequence-based PCR. The pathogen was found to have high genetic diversity in milk samples from cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis, as well as environmental and extramammary samples. This suggests that K. pneumoniae is an opportunistic and environmental pathogen causing outbreaks of clinical mastitis on these farms.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Qingqing Du, Fen Pan, Chun Wang, Fangyuan Yu, Yingying Shi, Wenxin Liu, Zhi Li, Ping He, Dingding Han, Hong Zhang
Summary: By conducting clinical, molecular, and phenotypic surveillance of hvKp strains in a pediatric population, it was found that K1-ST23 and K2-ST25 are high-risk clones of hvKp, and the genetic convergence of virulence and carbapenem-resistance is increasing among children, indicating the need for control measures to prevent dissemination in clinical settings.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Shaodong Fu, Chen Wen, Zhenglei Wang, Yawei Qiu, Yihao Zhang, Jiakun Zuo, Yuanyuan Xu, Xiangan Han, Zhenhua Luo, Wei Chen, Jinfeng Miao
Summary: This study investigated the distribution and antimicrobial resistance genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae in dairy cattle farms in China. It found a high prevalence of hypermucoviscous strains in one of the farms. Using multilocus sequence typing, six sequence types were identified that could potentially spread in specific regions. Interestingly, the ST43 sequence type was observed for the first time in bovine isolates.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yi Zhou, Yue Cheng, Tianyou Ma, Jun Wang, Shaoru Li, Jingdan Wang, Lei Han, Xinyao Hou, Xinxin Ma, Sijin Jiang, Pu Li, Jia Lv, Bei Han, Rong Da
Summary: In this study, a novel ST3355 ESBL-HvKP strain HKE9 was identified with high virulence and drug resistance. The global regulatory factor RpoS was found to affect the strain's resistance to antimicrobials and environmental adaptability, and regulated by T4SS. Additionally, rpoS also influenced the strain's competitiveness, cell adhesion ability, and sensitivity to disinfectants.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Xiao-Mei Zhang, He Wang, Ming-Cheng Li, Xue-Ying Bao, Jia-Yu Chen
Summary: This study investigated the susceptibility patterns and genotype of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in obstetrics & gynaecology settings in three associated hospitals of a university in China. The high prevalence of ESBLs with diverse enzyme gene types indicates the necessity of screening changes in ESBL-producing isolates in the region.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Neris Garcia-Gonzalez, Begona Fuster, Nuria Tormo, Carme Salvador, Concepcion Gimeno, Fernando Gonzalez-Candelas
Summary: This study investigated the emergence and spread of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Spanish hospital from 2015 to 2019. The results showed a complex situation with six different lineages, various resistance genes, and different plasmids involved.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
A. M. Parrott, J. Shi, J. Aaron, D. A. Green, S. Whittier, F. Wu
Summary: Multiple strains of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) are emerging in New York City, associated with higher mortality compared to multidrug-resistant and classical Klebsiella infections. Co-existing hepatobiliary disease appears to be a potential risk factor for these infections.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Temenuga Stoeva, Rumiana Markovska, Ivan Mitov
Summary: This study evaluated the epidemiological relationship between carbapenem-resistant (CR) and/or 3rd generation cephalosporin resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae blood isolates collected from patients in the University Hospital in Varna city during the period January 2014 - December 2017. The study also aimed to characterize the ESBLs and carbapenemase production in these isolates. The findings revealed a wide intrahospital dissemination of KPC-2 and/or CTX-M-15 producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, with ST15 persisting throughout the study period, demonstrating high cross transmission, epidemic and invasive potential.
COMPTES RENDUS DE L ACADEMIE BULGARE DES SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samar Ben Miloud, Md Muntasir Ali, Ilhem Boutiba, Rob Van Houdt, Chedly Chouchani
Summary: This study demonstrated cross-resistance between silver and beta-lactams in both clinical and environmental K. pneumoniae isolates from Tunisia, and also showed that NDM-1-producing K. pneumoniae developed resistance to silver for the first time.
WATER AND ENVIRONMENT JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karolina Stojowska-Swedrzynska, Adrianna Lupkowska, Dorota Kuczynska-Wisnik, Ewa Laskowska
Summary: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common pathogen responsible for various infections, and its multidrug resistance has been recognized as a significant public health threat. Heteroresistance, a frequent phenotype in pathogens, may be associated with an increased risk of recurrent infections and treatment failure in K. pneumoniae.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Junjun Chen, Huan Zhang, Xuelian Liao
Summary: Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP), including multidrug-resistant hvKP (MDR-hvKP), is a global concern due to its ability to cause outbreaks with high pathogenicity and mortality. Key virulence agents associated with hvKP and MDR-hvKP include iron acquisition systems, increased capsule production, colibactin toxin, and hypermu-coviscosity. Recent advances have identified new hypervirulence factors and explored the evolution of MDR-hvKP. Further research is needed to identify reliable methods for detection and investigate innovative treatment targets.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Karina O' Connell, Claire Kennedy, Mairead Skally, Margaret Foley, Somy Alex, Colm Magee, Niall F. Davis, Hilary Humphreys, Karen Burns
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2020)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
K. Burns, M. Foley, M. Skally, J. Cafferkey, F. Duffy, E. Sweeney, A. Ni Dhuthaigh, K. O'Connell, B. Dinesh, H. Humphreys, E. de Barra, F. Fitzpatrick
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Hilary Humphreys, Niall Stevens, Louise Burke, Mariam Sheehan, Siobhan Glavey, Mary Keogan, Erum Rasheed
Summary: Pathology is crucial in medical training and should be included in the core curriculum. Teaching and assessment methods are evolving, with educators gaining insights from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
IRISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
M. Foley, F. Duffy, M. Skally, F. McCormack, C. Finn, M. O'Connor, J. Cafferkey, T. Thomas, K. Burns, F. Fitzpatrick, K. O'Connell, E. G. Smyth, H. Humphreys
Summary: This study assessed the evolution of infection prevention and control measures in a tertiary acute care hospital with predominantly multi-bedded patient accommodation as cases of CPE increased. Despite considerable efforts by the IPCT, the number of CPE cases is increasing year-on-year, with more outbreaks being reported in later years.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2021)
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
J. Walsh, M. Skally, F. Duffy, G. Kalukondanahally, B. Dinesh, K. O'Connell, E. de Barra, K. Burns, F. Fitzpatrick
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Chelsea Cheng, Hilary Humphreys, Bridget Kane
Summary: Telemedicine has become increasingly integrated into medical practice, with medical students benefiting from increased understanding and acquisition of skills, while also facing challenges such as reluctance to conduct telemedicine consultations and build rapport with patients. Medical institutions should incorporate telemedicine teaching into curricula through experiential learning to help students overcome challenges and fully realize the benefits of telemedicine.
IRISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Louise Kelly, Jennifer Walsh, Mairead Skally, Binu Dinesh, Karen Burns, Karina O'Connell, Stephen MacNally, Hilary Humphreys, Fidelma Fitzpatrick
Summary: This study aimed to review the diagnosis, management, and outcome of Candida meningitis/ventriculitis in our hospital over the past ten years. The results showed that Candida meningitis/ventriculitis is an uncommon infection associated with devices, requiring prolonged treatment and leading to increased morbidity, length of stay, and disability.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pathology
Hilary Humphreys, Louise Burke, Karina O'Connell, Mary Keogan
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
C. Murphy, F. Duffy, F. McCormick, S. O'Donnell, F. Fitzpatrick, H. Humphreys
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Hilary Humphreys, Binu Dinesh, Stephen MacNally, Mohsen Javadpour
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hilary Humphreys, Mary Corcoran, Jolita Mereckiene, Robert Cunney, Suzanne Cotter
Summary: The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines has reduced invasive pneumococcal disease. Surveillance in Ireland shows that this reduction also extends to the elderly population. Currently, the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is used to protect the elderly, but its effectiveness and uptake in Ireland are low. Therefore, providing a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to this age group should be considered.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
S. O'Donnell, M. Creedon, J. Walsh, B. Dinesh, D. P. O'Brien, S. MacNally, H. Humphreys
Summary: This study reviewed data from a national adult neurosurgical center to explore clinical aspects of bone flap infections (BFIs) and improve its definitions, classification, and surveillance. The most common underlying condition necessitating craniectomy was a malignant neoplasm, and specimens for investigation included bone flaps, fluid/pus, and tissue. Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, were the predominant pathogens. Clearer definitions of BFI are needed for better classification, surveillance, and patient management.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
M. Skally, K. Bennett, K. Burns, R. Brennan, C. Finn, K. O'Connell, B. Dinesh, S. O'Donnella, W. Fawley, M. Wilcox, H. Humphreys, F. Fitzpatrick
Summary: This retrospective study investigated the data of hospitalized patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in an Irish tertiary hospital over 10 years. CDI remained a major cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea, with a recurrent rate of 9%. Most infections occurred during hospitalization, and there was a higher likelihood of infection in female patients. Despite key events and increased hospital activity, there was no significant change in the incidence of healthcare-associated CDI, while community-associated CDI reached its highest point in a decade in 2021.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
M. Creedon, H. Humphreys, R. Connolly, L. Gaughan, M. Skally, J. Caird, J. Duddy, P. J. O'Halloran, T. Mandiwanza, K. Burns, B. Dinesh, E. Smyth, K. O'Connell, F. Fitzpatrick
Summary: The multi-disciplinary approach in neurosurgical prescribing was beneficial in reducing antimicrobial use. Most antimicrobial prescriptions were deemed appropriate and stewardship actions were implemented. Neurosurgical doctors found the antimicrobial stewardship discussions helpful for education on antibiotic prescribing.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hilary Humphreys, Martin Cormican, Wendy Brennan, Karen Burns, Diarmuid O'Donovan, Therese Dalchan, Shirley Keane, Anne Sheahan
Summary: The study found that there is still a chance to prevent the endemic spread of CPE in hospitals, but efforts to control damp environmental reservoirs and improve antibiotic stewardship are needed. Additionally, there is currently no requirement to extend screening to detect CPE outside of acute hospitals.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)