Original Articles
Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of the blaTEM Gene in Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
Marwan Arkan Ghafoor, Kasya Aswad Othman, Lanja Jalal Mahmood, Laali Khan Hamad Jabbar, Kashma Aswad Othman, Khalid Wali Mustafa, Sanaa Yaseen Issa, Banan Muayad Ihsan and 1 more
IntroductionThere has been a notable rise in antibiotic resistance among enterobacteria. This issue is primarily attributed to the emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), which present a significant concern for public health worldwide. This study investigates the prevalence of ESBL production, antibiotic resistance profiles, and molecular identification of the blaTEM gene in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates.
MethodsThe samples were randomly collected from several medical facilities in Erbil city. The VITEK 2 system was used for bacterial identification, antibiotic susceptibility, and ESBL production testing. The Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST) confirmed ESBL production. Polymerase chain reaction was conducted on all DNA samples, and the amplified DNA was analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis to detect the blaTEM gene.
ResultsA total of 43 samples were collected, of which the majority were urine (56%), followed by sputum (28%), blood (9%), and wound (7%). Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates exhibited the highest prevalence of resistance against ceftazidime (72%), ceftriaxone (70%), ciprofloxacin (63%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (60%), amikacin (58%), cefotaxime/tazobactam (56%), and gentamicin (53%). The DDST results indicated positive ESBL production in 15 isolates (35%), as evidenced by an increase or distortion in the inhibition zone toward the amoxicillin-clavulanate disc. Of the 43 isolates, 34 (79%) carried the blaTEM gene.
ConclusionThe study area shows a significant level of antibiotic resistance in ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, which, if not adequately addressed, could soon lead to severe health and therapeutic consequences.
Keywords Antibiotic
· Antimicrobial resistance
· Klebsiella
· Multidrug resistance
· Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases
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