Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase

KPC-type beta-lactamases are a group of class A serine beta-lactamase enzymes that confer resistance to a broad spectrum of beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, and especially carbapenems. These enzymes are most commonly found in Enterobacteriaceae such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, but have also been detected in other Gram-negative bacteria. The bla_KPC gene is plasmid-mediated, facilitating rapid horizontal gene transfer. Multiple allelic variants exist (notably KPC-2 and KPC-3), contributing to substrate specificity and inhibitor resistance. KPC enzymes are major contributors to multidrug resistance among Gram-negative pathogens.

Other names

KPCKPC-type beta-lactamasebla_KPC

Hydrolyzes the beta-lactam ring of antibiotics, rendering them ineffective.