The bla_KPC genes encode KPC enzymes and are the most common carbapenemase detected in U.S. KPC enzymes confer high-level resistance to all β-lactams (including penicillins, cephalosporins and carbapenems) and are usually plasmid-borne with other resistance genes. Detection of bla_KPC in a PCR panel identifies a CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae) requiring use of last-resort antibiotics and implementation of strict control measures to prevent transmission (Tzouvelekis et al. 2012, Banerjee, & Humphries 2017)
Tzouvelekis, L. S., Markogiannakis, A., Psichogiou, M., Tassios, P. T., & Daikos, G. L. (2012). Carbapenemases in Klebsiella pneumoniae and other Enterobacteriaceae: an evolving crisis of global dimensions. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 25(4), 682–707.
Banerjee, R., & Humphries, R. (2017). Clinical and laboratory considerations for the rapid detection of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Virulence, 8(4), 427–439. https://doi.org/10.1080/21505594.2016.1185577
