Outbreak of CTX-M-15 Extended-Spectrum beta-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST394 in a French Intensive Care Unit Dedicated to COVID-19

Infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP) are constantly rising worldwide and are often reported as causative agent of outbreaks in intensive care units (ICUs). During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, bacterial cross-transmission was thought unlikely to occur due to the reinforcement of hygiene measures and prevention control. However, we report here an ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae (ST394) isolate responsible for a nosocomial outbreak in an ICU dedicated to COVID-19 patients.