Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, China, 2006-2020

Objective This study analyzed the characteristics and tendencies of resistance to common antibiotics for Klebsiella pneumoniae to provide a basis for clinical treatment and prevention. Methods A total of 71,743 isolates were collected from hospital clinical specimens following standard procedures from 2006 to 2020. Statistical analyses were conducted on laboratory test results. Results A total of 3054 isolates of K. pneumoniae were mainly isolated from sputum (53.77%), urine (14.70%), and blood (8.42%). Isolation rates of strains in the AIDS, hepatology, and intensive care wards were 9.72%, 12.52%, and 16.45%, respectively. Resistance rates of imipenem, cefazolin, gentamicin, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime respectively increased from 2.33%, 27.91%, 16.28%, 13.95%, 18.60%, and 9.30% to 12.83%, 40.82%, 21.57%, 25.07%, 44.61%, and 17.78%, while piperacillin-tazobactam resistance decreased from 13.95% to 13.70%. Differences in resistance rates to seven antibiotics were significant among specimen types. Detection rates of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae were significantly different among blood, sputum, and urine specimens, and between wards. Conclusions The prevalence and drug resistance of K. pneumoniae showed an upward trend over time, and resistance varied according to ward and specimen source. The prevention of nosocomial infections and rational drug use must be emphasized to reduce antimicrobial resistance.