Abstract

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Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen frequently multidrug-resistant, responsible for both health care and community associated infections. The appearance of extended spectrum β- lactamase in addition to the biofilm-forming phenotype, is a major problem in the clinical environment. This study aimed to detect ESBL production, biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance profile of clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. Three hundred and twenty five samples of urine and sputum were analyzed by conventional bacteriological techniques. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. ESBL detection was done by the double disc synergy tests using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Biofilm formation was determined by microtiter plate assay. Out of the 325 samples analyzed, only 74 (22.7%) yielded Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Isolation rate was 25.5% for urine higher than that of sputum (20%). Isolates displayed 100% resistance to cefotaxime and ceftazidime and decreased resistance to imipenem and ciprofloxacin. ESBL production was observed in 31.1% of all the isolates. ESBL producing isolates formed more biofilm than non ESBL producers. A significant association was observed between ESBL production and biofilm which may be as a result of uptake of ESBL carrying plasmids that activate the virulence factor. However, increased alertness of clinicians and enhanced testing by laboratories are important to reduce treatment failure and prevent the spread of resistance strains

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Biofilm formation; Extended Spectrum Beta lactamase; Klebsiella pneumoniae