The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued a warning on Wednesday regarding a surge in infections caused by a strain of antibiotic-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumonia (hvKp) in Europe, anticipating a rise in both illness and fatalities.
According to the ECDC’s latest report, the number of countries within the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) reporting cases of hvKp sequence type 23 has surged from four to ten since 2021. Moreover, the reported cases have escalated twelve-fold, reaching 143 instances.
This particular strain has demonstrated a concerning trend of acquiring genes associated with resistance to carbapenems, which are vital antibiotics utilized in the treatment of severe infections, the ECDC noted.
The ECDC’s report highlights the severe implications of hvKp infections, including the development of liver abscesses with metastatic spread, as well as pneumonia and lung abscesses.
Notably, vulnerable patient groups face heightened risks, while previously healthy adults may also be susceptible to potentially untreatable infections, according to the ECDC.
The ECDC expressed alarm over confirmed instances of sustained transmission of hvKp between healthcare facilities, despite ongoing preventive measures.
Additionally, the likelihood of further dissemination within healthcare settings across EU/EEA countries is deemed significant, as outlined in the report.
In response to the escalating threat, the ECDC has recommended intensified infection prevention and control measures within healthcare facilities. Moreover, they emphasized the necessity of bolstering laboratory capabilities to promptly identify hvKp isolates, including the utilization of whole genome sequencing.
