karbapenemresistenta

Karbapenemresistenta refers to a type of antibiotic resistance that makes certain bacteria, particularly Gram-negative bacteria, impervious to carbapenem antibiotics. Carbapenems are considered a last-resort class of antibiotics, used for severe infections that have not responded to other treatments. Resistance to these drugs is a growing global health concern, as it limits treatment options for patients with serious infections, leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates.

The primary mechanism of carbapenem resistance is the production of enzymes called carbapenemases. These enzymes are capable of breaking down the carbapenem molecule, rendering it ineffective. Carbapenemases can be encoded on plasmids, which are small, circular pieces of DNA that can be easily transferred between bacteria. This facilitates the rapid spread of resistance genes within and between different bacterial species. Other mechanisms contributing to resistance include alterations in the bacterial cell membrane, such as reduced permeability or increased efflux, which prevent the antibiotic from reaching its target within the bacterial cell.

The emergence and spread of carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs) are often associated with healthcare settings, where antibiotic use is frequent and vulnerable patients are present. Risk factors for acquiring infections with CROs include prolonged hospitalization, invasive procedures, and previous exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Prevention and control strategies focus on infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities, prudent antibiotic use (antibiotic stewardship), and enhanced surveillance to detect and monitor the spread of resistance.