Prevalence of the luxS Gene and Biofilm Formation in Urinary Tract Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates

Abstract

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important opportunistic pathogen associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), and its ability to form biofilms contributes to persistence and antimicrobial resistance. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Klebsiella isolates from urinary tract infections, their biofilm-forming ability, and the presence of the luxS gene, using molecular methods. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 51 Klebsiella isolates obtained from urine samples were examined. Species identification was performed using standard microbiological methods, including culture on MacConkey and blood agar, followed by biochemical identification using the IMViC tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disk diffusion method, biofilm formation was evaluated using the microtiter plate assay, and molecular analysis was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers targeting the luxS gene. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Among the 51 samples, 32 isolates were identified as K. pneumoniae and 19 as K. oxytoca. Ampicillin exhibited the highest resistance rate among the Klebsiella isolates. All isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, and 74.5% were susceptible to amikacin. In addition, the luxS gene was detected in 32 of the 51 isolates. Conclusions: The isolates showed high levels of antimicrobial resistance. Biofilm formation may contribute to the persistence of these bacteria and their reduced susceptibility to antimicrobial agents.