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Plasmid mediated antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Abstract:
Klebsiella pneumoniae species (108) isolated from tertiary care hospitalized patients were investigated for antibiotic resistance patter. 74% isolates were from urine, 13.5% from pus, 4.5% from blood and 8% from sputum. The resistance pattern of the organisms to various antibiotics were as follows: ampicillin 93.3%, cefotaxime 70%, ceftazidime 81%, gentamicin 68.5%, amikacin 63.75%, netilmicin 74%, norfloxacin 55%, ofloxacin 53%, chloramphenicol 82%, tetracycline 85%, sulphamethoxazole 96%, trimethoprim 94%. 2-4 drug resistance was found in 34.5%, 5-8 drug resistance was in 25.1% and 9-12 drug resistance was found in 40.4% of strains. Out of 65 strains, 25 strains could be successfully conjugated. Common drugs which were transferred to transconjugants were sulphamethoxazole, trimethoprim, gentamicin, netilmicin, amikacin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, ampicillin, cefotaxime and ceftazidime. A large plasmid of 98.7% kb could be demonstrated in these strains by alkali denaturation method and agarose gel electrophoresis.
Insights
Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates show high antibiotic resistance, with over 40% exhibiting resistance to 9-12 drugs. Plasmid-mediated resistance transfer was confirmed, highlighting a significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant opportunistic pathogen in healthcare settings.
- Antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae poses a major threat to patient treatment and outcomes.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for effective infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibiotic resistance patterns of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from hospitalized patients.
- To determine the prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in these isolates.
- To explore the role of plasmids in the transfer of antibiotic resistance.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae from clinical samples (urine, pus, blood, sputum).
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against a panel of 12 antibiotics.
- Plasmid profiling using agarose gel electrophoresis and conjugation experiments to assess resistance transfer.
Main Results:
- High resistance rates observed for ampicillin (93.3%), sulphamethoxazole (96%), and trimethoprim (94%).
- A significant proportion of strains (40.4%) displayed resistance to 9-12 antibiotics, indicating extensive multidrug resistance.
- Conjugation experiments confirmed the transfer of resistance genes, with a large plasmid (98.7 kb) identified in resistant strains.
Conclusions:
- Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from tertiary care hospitals exhibit alarming levels of antibiotic resistance.
- Plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer contributes to the dissemination of MDR in K. pneumoniae.
- Urgent strategies are needed to combat the spread of resistant strains and preserve antibiotic efficacy.