Karbapenemázy
Karbapenemázy (carbapenemases) are beta-lactamase enzymes that hydrolyze carbapenem antibiotics, such as imipenem and meropenem, enabling high-level resistance to many beta-lactams in Gram-negative bacteria and representing a major mechanism of carbapenem resistance.
They are classified by Ambler as class A serine carbapenemases (for example KPC), class B metallo-beta-lactamases
Geographically widespread, karbapenemázy are found in Enterobacterales (notably Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli) and in nonfermenters
Detection relies on phenotypic tests like the Carba NP test or the carbapenem inactivation method, and molecular
Treatment is challenging and depends on the enzyme type and resistance profile. Some serine carbapenemases are