SOME MOLECULAR-GENETIC FEATURES AND ISSUES RELATED TO CARBAPENEMASE-PRODUCING GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA

Abstract

This article analyzes the epidemiological and molecular genetic aspects of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in uropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated in hospital settings. The findings reveal a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant clinical isolates of E.coli and K. pneumoniae associated with urinary tract and respiratory infections in healthcare environments. E.coli, predominantly from phylogenetic subgroups B2 and D, exhibits a high frequency of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production and harbor multiple resistance genes (including blaCTX-M, blaTEM, mcr-1/2), contributing to resistance against major classes of antibiotics and significantly limiting therapeutic options. K.pneumoniae displays even higher levels of resistance, particularly to carbapenems, suggesting the circulation of carbapenemase-producing strains and underscoring the urgent need for enhanced infection control and measures to prevent their spread.