Screening for Colonization with Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae in the Emergency Department of a NYC Medical Center Using a Prototype Multiplex PCR Assay

Since first described in 2001, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaciae have rapidly disseminated on a global basis. NYC experienced numerous outbreaks in 2004 and is now considered endemic for KPC.1,2 Prevalence is suspected to be high among both acute and long term care facilities in the region, and the inter-institutional transfer of KPC colonized patients is believed to be a driving force for the ongoing epidemic.