KPC bacteria
Klebsiella Pneumoniae Carbapenemase, known as the superbug, was first identified in the US in the mid-2000s after undergoing a genetic mutation that gave it resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Superbacteria are microorganisms that produce carbapenemase enzymes that inactivate antibiotics, thus developing their resistance, especially in the fight against nosocomial infections.
KPC is known to be opportunistic, that is, they attack children, the elderly, patients with a complicated health condition, victims of serious diseases or those with their defenses, such as people who have had surgery, catheter, catheter, transplanted from organs and individuals undergoing chemotherapy.
The bacteria can be found in feces, water, soil, vegetables, cereals and fruits. Transmission occurs in a hospital environment through contact with secretions of the infected patient, provided that basic disinfection and hygiene standards are not respected.
Causing pneumonia, blood infections, urinary tract infections in surgical wounds, diseases that can develop into a generalized infection, often leading to death.
Antibiotic resistance is neither a new nor Klebsiella-specific phenomenon, and generally these multidrug-resistant germs cannot spread outside the hospital setting.
Signals and symptons:
They are similar to any other infection:
Fever,
Prostration,
Body aches,
Bladder pain (urinary tract infection),
Cough (respiratory infections).
The diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory examination that identifies the presence of bacteria in material taken from the digestive system. In case the patient shows signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection, for example, the doctor will order urine tests and the antibiogram, which is the test performed to confirm whether the bacterium is sensitive or resistant to a particular antibiotic.
KNOW MORE:
Prevention is fundamental in the control of nosocomial infection.
Superbacteria can spread in the hospital environment and in general through cross-transmission between patients.
All patients with KPC bacteria, even if asymptomatic, should be kept in isolation.
Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water and disinfecting them with gel alcohol are extremely effective in preventing the spread of bacteria.
These resources should be used by both healthcare professionals dealing with patients and visits.
Other ways to prevent the spread of bacteria include the systematic use of long-sleeved gowns, disposable gloves and masks whenever there is direct contact with patients, routine disinfection of hospital equipment, and sterilization of medical and surgical instruments.
An important feature of KPC is that, in addition to multiplying rapidly, it has the ability to transmit to other bacteria the enzyme-producing gene that destroys antibiotics.
Be aware that most respiratory infections are not caused by bacteria but by viruses over which antibiotics have no effect.
Keep visits away from infected patients.
Try to keep hospital visits and appointments to a minimum.
There are few classes of antibiotics that are effective for treating hospital infections with KPC bacteria.
Only use antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor.
