Retrospective cohort study of Gram-negative bacteraemia shows transmission of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in a UK Intensive Care Unit during the Covid-19 pandemic

Hypervirulent <i>K. pneumoniae</i> is an emerging problem, capable of causing a severe, disseminated infection. We suggest risk factors for transmission may include shared equipment, environmental and PPE contamination, and failure of effective hand hygiene. With COVID-19 infection endemic, if SARS-CoV-2 patients require cohort nursing in bays with sessional use gowns, we recommend these are short-sleeved, to facilitate effective hand hygiene. We argue strict Infection Control policy, including enhanced cleaning, is critical to reduce transmission of hypervirulent <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and advocate for enhanced national surveillance systems.