title: Risk factors for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Serratia marcescens and Klebsiella pneumoniae acquisition in a neonatal intensive care unit.
abstract: We investigated the molecular epidemiology of gentamicin-resistant, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Serratia marcescens, and risk factors associated with their acquisition in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a university hospital in Italy. During the study period (April-November 2004), S. marcescens was responsible for six infections and 31 colonisations, while K. pneumoniae was responsible for six infections and 103 colonisations. Concurrent isolation of both organisms occurred in 24 neonates. Molecular typing identified one major pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern each for S. marcescens and K. pneumoniae strains isolated during the study period. An 80 kb plasmid containing bla(SHV-12), bla(TEM-1) and aac(6')-Ib genes, isolated from both S. marcescens and K. pneumoniae strains, and showing identical restriction profiles, transferred resistance to third-generation cephalosporins to a previously susceptible Escherichia coli host. Birthweight, gestational age and use of invasive devices were significantly associated with S. marcescens and K. pneumoniae acquisition on univariate analysis, while empiric antimicrobial treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin, and duration of hospital stay, proved to be the only independent risk factors. In conclusion, conjugal plasmid transfer and empiric antimicrobial therapy with ampicillin and gentamicin might have contributed to the selection and spread of gentamicin-resistant ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the NICU.
authors: Department of Preventive Medical Sciences, Hygiene Section, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Crivaro
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Bagattini
authors: M F
authors: MF
authors: Salza
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Raimondi
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Rossano
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Triassi
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Zarrilli
mesh_terms: D000123:Acetyltransferases / Q000235:genetics; D000667:Ampicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques; D001724:Birth Weight; D002353:Carrier State / Q000382:microbiology; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000494:pharmacology; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D016521:Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field; D005838:Genotype; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000494:pharmacology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D007558:Italy; D007710:Klebsiella Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D007711:Klebsiella pneumoniae / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010957:Plasmids / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D016868:Serratia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D012706:Serratia marcescens / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D005839:Gentamicins; D000667:Ampicillin; D000123:Acetyltransferases; C019681:aminoglycoside acetyltransferase; D001618:beta-Lactamases