Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains among clinical specimens in Kashan (2014-2015)

Resistance among the Enterobacteriaceae family especially in Klebsiella genus as one important leading cause of nosocomial infection, is one of the most important health challenges all over the world. Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing bacteria are among the most prevalent β-lactamases in Klebsiella strains. Our aim was to study KPC-producing Klebsiella strains in clinical samples in Kashan.
In this cross-sectional study Klebsiella isolates (n=181) were recovered from clinical samples during September to July 2015. After identification of Klebsiella isolates by biochemical tests, the susceptibility pattern of recovered Klebsiella from clinical isolates to 17 antibiotics were studied by disk diffusion method. Using PCR assay blaKPC gene in Klebsiella isolates were studied. Statistical analyses of data were performed by Chi square test and (P Forty eight out of 181 Klebsiella samples were multidrug resistant and the most resistant was seen to Ampicillin and Cephalotin. Among the Klebsiella isolates, 21(11.6%) carried blaKPC gene which most of them were recovered in ICU ward from urinary and respiratory specimens.
Our study showed that in Klebsiella strains isolated from patients, especially hospitalized patients in Kashan, resistance to carbapenems is seen with presence of blaKPC gene. Due to the ability of gene to spread by mobile genetic elements the finding is alarming in treatment of Klebsiella infections.