Drug resistant Klebsiella a growing problem for the Chicago area

Chicago has seen an alarming rise of infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC) bacteria.  KPC is a multi-drug resistant bacterium that was first identified in Chicago in 2007.  Earlier this year, 37 health facilities in Chicago reported an average of 10 KPC cases each, up from an average of 4 cases in 2009 at 26 facilities.  75% of the cases are from nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

The challenge for Chicago hospitals and nursing homes now is to contain the spread of KPC bacteria.  Early identification of patients who may be carriers is key, as well as better communication between different facilities when a patient colonized with KPC bacteria is transferred from one to another.

Links to relevant articles:
IDSA article on KPC cases in metropolitan areas
Chicago Tribune article on KPC cases in the Chicago area