Publication:

Phenotypic detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from different clinical samples from intensive care unit, Khamis Military Hospital, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that is one of the commonest causes of infection in intensive care units. K. pneumoniae infection have contributed considerably to morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic illnesses. The coexistence of virulence factors and the genetic determinant of antibiotic resistance complicates treatment outcomes. The emergence of pathogenic multi-drug resistant K. pneumoniae poses a great threat to the healthcare system. Thus, the aim of this study was to isolate and to phenotypically detect the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase produced by K. pneumoniae that are isolated from different clinical samples from ICU in Khamis Military Hospital.

Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted at Khamis Military Hospital from December 2021 to April 2022. Clinical samples collected within the ICU underwent microbiological identification phase to confirm the presence of K. pneumoniae. This was followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing to various antimicrobial agents to detect the production of carbapenemases (KPC, NDM-1, OXA-48) and extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL). The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using appropriate tools. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patient population from whom the samples were obtained.

Results A total of 114 isolates of K. pneumoniae were identified from different clinical samples of ICU patients. The percentage of ESBL production constituted 28.94% (33 isolates). Regarding the distribution of carbapenemases production, 43 isolates (37.7%) had the KPC and NDM carbapenemases, while 34 isolates (29.8%) had the OXA-48 carbapenemases.

Conclusions The high prevalence of K. pneumoniae represents a threat to ICU patients, thus, this issue should be treated with urgent attention. Our data informs the need for regular surveillance of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria in clinical settings for meaningful control of emergence and spreading of multi-drug-resistant K. pneumoniae.