Carbapenem resistance gene Ppofiling in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from clinical and non-clinical (water and vegetables) samples

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacterium that has a rod-like structure and is classified as Gram-negative. It is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family. This microorganism is recognized for its clinical importance, since it is frequently found in the human microbiome and has the capacity to cause respiratory, urinary, and bloodstream infections. Klebsiella pneumoniae is distinguished by its polysaccharide capsule, which enhances its ability to cause disease and common source of opportunistic infections that demonstrate resistance to antimicrobial treatments in hospitalized individuals. Carbapenem Resistance Gene Profiling in Klebsiella pneumoniae is conducted with the goal of comprehending the genetic foundation of resistance to carbapenem drugs and this focuses on the identification of distinct resistance genes found in strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, thereby addressing the urgent problem of antibiotic resistance. In this study, a total of 27 carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were incorporated, with 25 isolates derived from non-clinical sources, comprising vegetables and water, and 2 isolates obtained from clinical sources. The major purpose of this study was to isolate Klebsiella pneumoniae from clinical and non-clinical sources, and to analyze their antibiotic resistance profiling as well as carbapenem resistant gene profiling. The aim of this targeted approach was to identify five distinct genes linked to carbapenem resistance, specifically NDM-1, blaKPC, blaOXA-48, blaVIM, and blaIMP. Additionally, PCR was performed and upon conducting gel electrophoresis and analyzing specific data, it was observed that the detection rate for the NDM-1 gene was notably higher, with approximately 11.11% showing positive results. Among the 25 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, PCR analysis revealed 2 (8%) NDM-1 positive cases from non-clinical sources and 1(50%) producers were detected from clinical sources. During the analysis, no positive result was obtained for rest of those four genes, and no bands were found within their respective ranges.