KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE CARBAPENEMASE RESISTANCE PROFILE IN A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To understand the main resistance mechanisms associated with the bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) in neonatal intensive care units (ICU). Bibliographic Review: Studies have indicated the prevalence of KPC in various pathological conditions in newborns, which highlights the need for constant epidemiological surveillance and good biosafety practices. These strategies are essential to mitigate the risks of KPC infection in the neonatal ICU. Furthermore, the genetic mechanisms of KPC resistance basically focus on mutations and horizontal gene transfer events. Final considerations: Pathogens that have resistance characteristics, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, represent a significant challenge for antimicrobial therapy and patient safety in hospital environments. By understanding the bibliographical findings, a worrying trend towards an increase in antibiotic resistance is observed, especially when directed at bacteria belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, as in cases of carbapenems, which are often considered the last line of defense in the treatment of bacterial infections.