Molecular characteristics of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in the West of Iran

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae causes community and nosocomial infections. Drug treatment of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) by K. pneumoniae isolates is costly, long, and sometimes problematic. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance patterns and the occurrence of bla CTX-M, bla TEM and bla SHV genes in the third-generation cephalosporin-resistant K. pneumoniae isolated from urinary tract infection in Kermanshah region, Iran. Materials and Methods:Fifteen K. pneumoniae isolates were collected and confirmed by the analytical profile index-20E system. Phenotypic confirmatory test was performed using combination disk method. The genes of bla CTX-M, bla TEM and bla SHV were investigated by polymerase chain reaction. SPSS version 20 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for sample analysis. Results: Resistant isolates to ampicillin and imipenem represented 96% and 4%, respectively, which were the highest and lowest resistance. Seventeen (34%) out of the 50 isolates were ESBL producers by the synergy test. The prevalence of bla CTX-M, bla TEM and bla SHV among these isolates was 88% (n = 15), 70% (n = 12) and 58% (n = 10), respectively. Conclusions: Our research showed a possibility of the spread of multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing isolates. Monitoring control of risk factors and drug-resistant patterns with the use of phenotypic and/or genotypic analyses are very important to prevent the occurrence and dissemination of resistant strains due to ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae in hospital settings.