Introduction: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic bacterium, which is globally recognized for its high prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Antibiotic susceptibility among MDR and non MDR and biofilm forming isolates and prevalence of biofilm associated genes were performed on 104 K. pneumoniae isolates.
Methods: Sample collection and identification of 104 bacterial isolates was done. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed based on disc diffusion method. ESBL phenotypes were detected through the results of the antibiogram. The MIC of ceftazidime and imipenem antibiotics was measured. Biofilm formation capability was accomplished. DNA was extracted. PCR was performed. Statistical analysis of the results was accomplished.
Results: Disc diffusion method showed that the highest susceptible was against amikacin (56.7%), imipenem (54.8%) and gentamycin (52.8%), respectively. In K. pneumoniae isolates forming a strong biofilm, the highest resistance and the highest antibiotic sensitivity are related to tetracycline (5, 7.28%) and ceftriaxone (2, 1.94%), respectively, and in the isolates forming a moderate biofilm, amikacin (15, 14.56%), ceftriaxone and imipenem (10, 9.7%) respectively, and in isolates forming weak biofilm, are respectively related to amikacin (26, 25.2%) and imipenem (18, 17.47%) and in non-biofilm-forming isolates, were related to amikacin (52, 50.4%) and ceftriaxone (30, 29.12%), respectively. In MDR K. pneumoniae isolates, the highest rate of antibiotic sensitivity and resistance was related to imipenem (16%) and amikacin and cefotaxime (49%), respectively, and in non-MDR, it was related to ceftriaxone (45%) and amikacin (49%). Among all K. pneumoniae isolates, the luxS gene has the lowest frequency. In MDR, luxS gene has the lowest frequency in isolates producing strong biofilm and non biofilm. In non-MDR, luxS gene has the lowest frequency in isolates producing moderate and weak biofilms and non biofilm.
Conclusion: Considering the undeniable role of biofilm- formation on gene transferring and bacterial high durability in the hospital environment, proper administration of effective antibiotics and disinfection methods must be considered.
Keywords: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Drug resistance, Biofilm