karbapenemázok

Karbapenemázok are a group of enzymes produced by certain bacteria that confer resistance to carbapenem antibiotics. Carbapenems are a class of broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics considered a last resort for treating serious bacterial infections. These enzymes work by hydrolyzing, or breaking down, the carbapenem molecule, rendering it ineffective. The genes encoding carbapenemases are often located on mobile genetic elements such as plasmids, facilitating their rapid spread among different bacterial species.

The emergence and spread of carbapenemase-producing bacteria (CPBs) pose a significant threat to public health globally. Infections caused by CPBs are associated with higher mortality rates, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Surveillance and rapid detection of carbapenemase-producing strains are crucial for implementing appropriate infection control measures and guiding antimicrobial therapy.

Several classes of carbapenemases have been identified, including Ambler class A (e.g., KPC - Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase), class B (metallo-beta-lactamases like NDM - New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase), and class D (e.g., OXA-type carbapenemases). The specific type of carbapenemase produced can influence the spectrum of resistance to different beta-lactam antibiotics.

Efforts to combat carbapenemase resistance include developing new antibiotics that are not susceptible to these enzymes, improving diagnostic methods for timely identification of CPBs, and implementing robust infection prevention and control strategies in healthcare settings.