KPC-2 allelic variants in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates resistant to ceftazidime-avibactam from Argentina: bla KPC-80 , bla KPC-81 , bla KPC-96 and bla KPC-97 .

Ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) therapy has significantly improved survival rates for patients infected by carbapenem-resistant bacteria, including KPC producers. However, resistance to CZA is a growing concern, attributed to multiple mechanisms. In this study, we characterized four clinical CZA-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates obtained between July 2019 and December 2020. These isolates expressed novel allelic variants of bla _KPC-2 resulting from changes in hotspots of the mature protein, particularly in loops surrounding the active site of KPC. Notably, KPC-80 had an K269_D270insPNK mutation near the Lys270-loop, KPC-81 had a del_I173 mutation within the Ω-loop, KPC-96 showed a Y241N substitution within the Val240-loop and KPC-97 had an V277_I278insNSEAV mutation within the Lys270-loop. Three of the four isolates exhibited low-level resistance to imipenem (4 µg/mL), while all remained susceptible to meropenem. Avibactam and relebactam effectively restored carbapenem susceptibility in resistant isolates. Cloning mutant bla _KPC genes into pMBLe increased imipenem MICs in recipient Escherichia coli TOP10 for bla _KPC-80 , bla _KPC-96 , and bla _KPC-97 by two dilutions; again, these MICs were restored by avibactam and relebactam. Frameshift mutations disrupted omp K35 in three isolates. Additional resistance genes, including bla _TEM-1 , bla _OXA-18 and bla _OXA-1 , were also identified. Interestingly, three isolates belonged to clonal complex 11 (ST258 and ST11) and one to ST629. This study highlights the emergence of CZA resistance including unique allelic variants of bla _KPC-2 and impermeability. Comprehensive epidemiological surveillance and in-depth molecular studies are imperative for understanding and monitoring these complex resistance mechanisms, crucial for effective antimicrobial treatment strategies.
Importance: The emergence of ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) resistance poses a significant threat to the efficacy of this life-saving therapy against carbapenem-resistant bacteria, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae -producing KPC enzymes. This study investigates four clinical isolates exhibiting resistance to CZA, revealing novel allelic variants of the key resistance gene, bla _KPC-2 . The mutations identified in hotspots surrounding the active site of KPC, such as K269_D270insPNK, del_I173, Y241N and V277_I278insNSEAV, prove the adaptability of these pathogens. Intriguingly, low-level resistance to imipenem and disruptions in porin genes were observed, emphasizing the complexity of the resistance mechanisms. Interestingly, three of four isolates belonged to clonal complex 11. This research not only sheds light on the clinical significance of CZA resistance but also shows the urgency for comprehensive surveillance and molecular studies to inform effective antimicrobial treatment strategies in the face of evolving bacterial resistance.
Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.