Title : Carbapenemase resistance genes in K. pneumoniae from clinical samples
Abstract:
Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae are opportunistic pathogens and cause hospital and community acquired infections. Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) are of particular concern due to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes associated with mobile genetic elements. Carbapenems are broad spectrum β- lactam antibiotics frequently used in the treatment of infections caused by multidrug resistant gram-negative bacteria. CRKP is a serious threat because it is significantly associated with higher mortality rate and hospital expenditures. This study aimed to determine the multidrug resistant and carbapenemase producing K. pneumoniae from a referral hospital in Nepal. The clinical isolates were collected from Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and processed at the laboratory of Central Department of Microbiology Tribhuvan University. The isolates were identified by Gram’s staining, culture and biochemical tests. From different clinical specimens, K. pneumoniae were isolated and identified phenotypically. The MDR were determined by antibiotic susceptibility test using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method following the CLSI guidelines. The phenotypic carbapenem resistance and ESBL producers were analysed by mCIM method and combination disk method respectively as per CLSI guidelines. The VIM, NDM-1 and IPM genes were detected by PCR. The high prevalence of CRKP and mobile genes emphasizes the need for continuous surveillance among the patients to detect the resistant strain and the implementation of infection control measures.
