Whole Genome Sequencing of Peruvian Klebsiella pneumoniae Identifies Novel Plasmid Vectors Bearing Carbapenem Resistance Gene NDM-1

Abstract

Abstract Background Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacterial pathogen with increasing rates of resistance to carbapenem antibiotics, but the population structure and genetic drivers of carbapenem-resistant K pneumoniae (CRKP) remain underexplored in developing countries. Carbapenem-resistant K pneumoniae were recently introduced into Peru but have grown rapidly in prevalence, enabling study of this pathogen as it expands into an unaffected environment. Methods In this study, using whole genome sequencing, we show that 3 distinct lineages encompass almost all CRKP identified in the hospital where it was first reported in Peru. Results The most prevalent lineage, ST348, has not been described outside of Europe, raising concern for global dissemination. We identified metallo- β -lactamase NDM-1 as the primary carbapenem resistance effector, which was harbored on a novel vector resulting from recombination between 2 different plasmids, pKP1-NDM-1 and pMS7884A. Conclusions This study is the first of its kind performed in Peru, and it furthers our understanding of the landscape of CRKP infections in Latin America.