Epidemiology of infections and colonization caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae NDM in the Mazovian Voivodeship in 2016–2017

Abstract Introduction Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common cause of antimicrobial-resistant opportunistic infections in hospitalized patients. Due to acquired resistance to multiple antimicrobials, K. pneumoniae is a particular threat in health care. The aim of this study was the assessment of the epidemiological situation related to the spread of symptomatic infections and colonization caused by K. pneumoniae New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) in the Mazovian Voivodeship in 2016–2017. Materials and Methods The study included data collected between 2016 and 2017 from 168 hospitals located in and outside of Warsaw but limited to the Mazovian Voivodeship. Data was extracted from reports on suspected epidemic outbreaks and the elimination of outbreaks as well as annual reports on nosocomial infections and alarm pathogens. Results The incidence of infections caused by K. pneumoniae NDM (symptomatic and asymptomatic) was 0.96/1,000 hospitalizations in 2016 and 2.04/1,000 hospitalizations in 2017. In 2016, hospitals in the Mazovian Voivodeship reported 50 transmissions of K. pneumoniae NDM. In 2017, this value increased to 74. The risk of symptomatic infection was higher in hospitals outside of Warsaw than in hospitals in Warsaw, while risk of colonization was higher in hospitals in Warsaw. Conclusions The epidemiological situation related to infections and colonization caused by K. pneumoniae NDM in the Mazovian Voivodeship is disadvantageous, which implies the necessity to monitor anti-epidemic measures. The epidemic situation in hospitals outside of Warsaw seems to be worse compared to hospitals in Warsaw, which have higher risks of symptomatic infection caused by K. pneumoniae NDM.