Molecular Detection of Blatem, Blashv, and Blactx-M Genes among Esbl-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria
TL;DR
The findings of this study indicate that imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem had the greatest activity against the K. pneumoniae isolates, which contributes to the emergence of drug resistance among pathogens.
Abstract
Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major cause of hospital- and community-acquired infections worldwide. It produces extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), which are associated with multidrug resistance and limit therapeutic options for treating infections, thereby posing a serious global threat. Aim: This study aimed to detect the blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M genes associated with multidrug and beta-lactam resistance in K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens obtained at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 39 confirmed K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained from 344 clinical samples. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolates were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and the phenotypic production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) was assessed using the Modified Double-Disc Synergy Test (MDDST). The three resistance genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Thirty-two (82.1%) of the K. pneumoniae isolates were ESBL producers and were multidrug-resistant. The isolates showed high resistance to cefotaxime (76.9%), ceftazidime (69.2%), and cefepime (66.7%), but low resistance to imipenem and meropenem (7.7% and 5.1%, respectively). Twenty-four (85.7%) isolates were blaTEM-positive, and 10 (35.7%) were blaSHV-positive; the amplicon sizes were 972 bp and 868 bp, respectively. None of the isolates carried blaCTX-M. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem had the greatest activity against the K. pneumoniae isolates. The beta-lactamase-encoding resistance genes blaTEM and blaSHV were detected in the K. pneumoniae isolates. Antibiotic-use policies and regular surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns may help reduce indiscriminate antibiotic use, which contributes to the emergence of drug resistance among pathogens.