Frequency of blaCTX-M and blaTEM Virulence Genes and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles among Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates inUrinary Tract Infection (UTI) Samples from Hashtgerd, Iran

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is an opportunistic microorganism and one of the most important causes of urinary tract infection. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of K. pneumoniae producing broad-spectrum beta-lactamase in urinary tract infection and to determine the pattern of drug resistance.

This study was performed on 50 samples of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with urinary tract infection referred to the Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in Hashtgerd city. The isolates were first evaluated for antibiotic susceptibility by disk diffusion method according to the method proposed by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Then phenotypic detection of ESBLS was carried out by the DDST method. The frequency of gene blaTEM and blaCTX-M was determined by PCR.

The highest resistance was observed to ampicillin (94%) and the highest sensitivity was observed to gentamicin (84%). 22 isolates (44%) were positive for ESBLs production. Of the 50 isolates studied, 34% had blaCTX-M and 28% had blaTEM and 11 (22%) had both genes simultaneously. Also, more than 77% of positive ESBLs isolates had the blaCTX-M gene and approximately 63.64% of positive ESBLs isolates had the blaTEM gene.

Given the high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant and ESBL-producing isolates, early identification of these resistant isolates and their follow-up is essential to prevent further outbreaks. It is also important to use appropriate therapeutic strategies and proper and rational administration of
antibiotics by physicians.