Klebsiella pneumoniae has long been a significant global health concern. What amplifies this problem, especially for regions with fragile healthcare frameworks and low-income countries, is this pathogen’s ability to cause severe infections. This further escalates mortality rates and brings to light the concern of increasing antimicrobial resistance.
A recent study aimed to examine the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae infections and identify related risk factors. The gathered data belonged to academic hospitals situated in Beirut, Lebanon, collected between January 2021 to September 2023. The results displayed, out of 2,655 K. pneumoniae cases, 410 met the study criteria.
Predominant sources of infection were detected to be urinary tract (58.3%) and respiratory tract (12.4%). 61% of these isolates were MDR K. pneumoniae, including 7.3% extensively drug-resistant and 0.5% pandrug-resistant. Additionally, 36.8% were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing, while 6.3% were carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP).
Significant correlates with MDR K. pneumoniae infections included male sex, recent usage of antibiotics, and cancer chemotherapy. ESBL-producing infections were associated with individuals aged 65 or more, high Charlson Comorbidity Index, and recent antibiotic use. CRKP infections were linked to the male sex, prior antibiotic use, and longer hospital stays pre-infection.
Because of a weak healthcare infrastructure and subpar national surveillance, the problem of MDR K. pneumoniae infections is steadily escalating in Lebanon, along with an increase in ESBL-producing and CRKP cases. To control this growing menace, strengthening local surveillance and effectually implementing antibiotic stewardship programs is of paramount importance.
Source: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-20474-0