Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.
Authors
Department of Pathological Analyses, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
Abstract
Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae a Gram-negative bacterium in the Enterobacteriaceae family, His non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium is characterized by its mucoid appearance on agars. Possessing a significant extracellular polysaccharide capsule that serves as a defense against host immunity K. pneumoniae is predominant nosocomial pathogen recognized for its exceptional capability to transfer resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, which presents substantial menace to worldwide healthcare. Objective: This research examined the prevalence and potential interplay of biofilm formation and the OqxAB Efflux pump's role in facilitating antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae isolates. Methodology: 143 clinical sample collected from the patients attending the Baghdad Medical City Hospital, during the period from September 2024 to January 2025, specimens were cultured on MacConkey's agar. Definitive identification test of the isolates was performed by VITEK-2 machine. Phenotypic detection of Biofilm generation was accomplished by the microtiter plate technique. And the activity of the efflux pump was evaluated phenotypically using the ethidium bromide cartwheel method in different concentration. To detection the OqxAB genetically, Polymerase Chain Reactin was performed. Results: The final identification results showed that 31 isolates were confirmed as K. pneumonia which showed high resistant (100%) to Ampicillin, piperacillin/tazobactam, Imipenem, amikacin, ceftazidime ( 96.77%) to cefazolin , cefoxitin ceftriaxone, Cefepime (93.55%) to Gentamicin (87.10%) to Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Trimethoprim\Sulfamethoxazol and (64.52%) to Nitrofurantion, results of Biofilm formation showed strong producers in 17(54.8%) of samples, moderate producers in 12(38.7%) of samples , weak producers in 1(3.2%) sample and Non producers in 1(3.2%) sample . results of OqxAB efflux pump activity(phenotype) revealed that the number of positive isolates at (1) mg/l concentration was 24 (77.42%), at (2)mg/l concentration was 23(74.19%), in 3(mg\l) concentration 16(50.61%). To detection the OqxAB genetically, Polymerase Chain Reactin was performed. Data showed that 29 (93.55%) of isolates harbored these genes, and only 2 isolates (6.45%) were OqxAB negative. Conclusion: Results revealed a high prevalence of both phenotypes, indicating that biofilm formation and OqxAB efflux pump activity are likely significant contributors to multidrug resistance in this bacterial species.These findings highlight the crucial need to consider both mechanisms when developing effective treatments for MDR K. pneumoniae infections.
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