Fani Chatzopoulou

Dr. Fani Chatzopoulou


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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4 October 2025 in Antibiotics
Verified
Journal Article
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MARIA CHATZIDIMITRIOUMARIA CHATZIDIMITRIOU
MARIA CHATZIDIMITRIOU
AVApostolos Voulgaridis
Apostolos Voulgaridis
Pandora TsolakidouPandora Tsolakidou
Pandora Tsolakidou
FCFani Chatzopoulou
Fani Chatzopoulou
ICIoannis Chonianakis
Ioannis Chonianakis
Timoleon-Achilleas VyzantiadisTimoleon-Achilleas Vyzantiadis
Timoleon-Achilleas Vyzantiadis
Background/Objectives: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) threatens Intensive Care Units (ICU), particularly in settings where serine (KPC) and metallo-β-lactamases (NDM) co-circulate. The aim of this study was to assess CRKP susceptibility especially to novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, characterize the genetic determinants of resistance, and contribute to the understanding of local epidemiology in the ICU of our hospital. Methods: We studied 32 non-duplicate CRKP isolates (30 ICU, 2 wards) collected at Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki (May–Oct 2023). Bacterial identification and Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) were performed by VITEK-2; Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZ/AVI), meropenem/vaborbactam (MER/VAB), and imipenem/relebactam (IMI/REL) were determined by E-tests. Colistin MICs were performed by broth microdilution. Carbapenemases were screened phenotypically and by immunochromatography and confirmed by multiplex PCR. One bronchial isolate co-harboring blaNDM and blaKPC genes underwent WGS. Results: All isolates were carbapenem-resistant and showed extensive resistance to β-lactams and fluoroquinolones. By PCR, 8/32 (25%) carried blaKPC alone, 8/32 (25.0%) blaNDM alone, and 16/32 (50%) co-harbored blaKPC and blaNDM. KPC-only isolates were generally susceptible in vitro to CAZ/AVI, MER/VAB, and IMI/REL, whereas dual KPC-NDM producers were resistant to all three combinations. Tigecycline showed the highest retained activity; colistin remained active in a minority. WGS of one ST512 (CG258) isolate revealed co-harboring blaNDM-1 and blaKPC-3 with additional resistance determinants and plasmid replicons, consistent with high-risk spread. Conclusions: Half of CRKP isolates in this ICU-predominant series co-produced KPC and NDM, severely limiting β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor options. These data support routine screening for carbapenemases, strict infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, and access to agents active against MBLs.

12 November 2025 in Antibiotics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IFIlias Frydas
Ilias Frydas
EKEmmanouil Kouklakis
Emmanouil Kouklakis
Georgios MeletisGeorgios Meletis
Georgios Meletis
AMAndigoni Malousi
Andigoni Malousi
MKMaria Anna Kyriazidi
Maria Anna Kyriazidi
MARIA CHATZIDIMITRIOUMARIA CHATZIDIMITRIOU
MARIA CHATZIDIMITRIOU
Background/Objectives: Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 and ST11 are global high-risk antimicrobial-resistant clones known for their virulence and resistance gene dissemination. This study aims to identify these clones in a Greek tertiary hospital and understand their resistance profiles and transmission dynamics. Methods: In January 2025, we isolated two distinct carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae in a Greek tertiary hospital: INT18S from an ICU patient’s bronchioalveolar lavage and INT20U from a urine sample in the emergency unit. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (via Microscan system) and Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) were conducted on both isolates and their genomes were submitted to the NCBI. Results: The INT18S isolate carried the blaKPC-2 gene and belonged to the ST258 clone. The INT20U isolate carried the blaNDM-1 gene and belonged to the ST11 clone lineage. Both isolates contained at least one of the extended spectra β-lactamase genes tested (TEM, SHV, OXA-1 and CTX-M group). Conclusions: The co-existence of the high-risk K. pneumoniae clones ST258 and ST11 in different hospital departments increases the risk of resistance gene transfer and suggests potential intra-hospital transmission pathways. Understanding their resistance profiles is critical for guiding treatment strategies and preventing the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens.