Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, Northeast Florida

Background: Since 2001 there have been several reported outbreaks due to carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp), particularly in the northeastern states. Methods: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from healthcare facilities in Northeast Florida were phenotypically identified and confirmed using PCR amplification and sequencing of the blaKPC gene. Results: Results from PFGE analysis of these isolates demonstrated possible horizontal spread from two possible "outbreak" strains during the study period. Conclusions: We present the first published cluster of Kp and Escherichia coli (Ec) cases in Florida carrying the KPC-2 or KPC-3 gene.