Co-colonization with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii in intensive care unit patients

Objectives: This investigation was conducted to study co-colonization by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) and Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients in Palermo, Sicily, a geographic area where both organisms are endemic in the healthcare setting. Risk factors at admission and during ICU stay and outcomes were also evaluated. Methods: All patients colonized by KPC-Kp, or CRAB, or both in 2 ICUs of a large general hospital during the period October 2011 – March 2012 were enrolled. Demographics and clinical data were collected. Resistance determinants and clonality of the 2 organisms were characterized by mo…