Investigation of Some Carbapenemase Resistance Genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates and their Role in the Antibiotics Resistance

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae is ubiquitous gram-negative encapsulated pathogen that has long been associated with variety of infections. The aim of the current study was to determine the presence of carbapenemase genes in K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from different sources and their role in the antibiotics resistance. A total of 210 clinical samples were collected from patients of both sexes ranging between 10 to 80 years old from different sources; (urine, sputum, wound swabs, blood, and liver abscess) who admitted from different hospitals in Baghdad from (March, 2022 to July, 2022). Results appeared that only 90 isolates were identified as K. pneumoniae based on differential and selective media, biochemical tests followed by Vitek 2 systems and molecular detection using 16S rRNA. Antibiotic susceptibility test of K. pneumoniae isolates against 13 antibiotics were established using disc-diffusion technique. Result appeared that all isolates were 100% resistant to Vancomycin. While, Colistin had the lowest resistance rate 25.55% manifested that was the most effective antibiotic. Carbapenemase genes; New Delhi metallolactamase NDM-1, Verona integron-encoded metallo β-lactamase VIM and imipenem-resistant carbapenemases IMP were detected using polymerase chain reaction PCR technique.  It was concluded that antibiotics resistance rate was high in K. pneumonia isolates. Moreover, Colistin recommended for the treatments of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumonia.  The PCR results revealed that IMP gene was not detected, while the percentage of NDM-1 and VIM genes were 23% and 3% respectively.