Final answer:
The KPC gene is commonly associated with carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae species, and it is known for its ability to produce an enzyme that inactivates carbapenem antibiotics, leading to healthcare-associated infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gene commonly associated with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) resistance is the KPC gene. Among the options listed, blaTEM, mecA, and ampC are genes related to resistance mechanisms for other antibiotics but not specifically linked to carbapenem resistance. Instead, the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) gene is known to provide resistance to carbapenems through the production of an enzyme that can inactivate these powerful antibiotics. It's important to note that these resistant strains can spread in healthcare settings and are capable of causing difficult-to-treat infections due to their resistance to multiple drug classes.