Determination of antibiotic resistance and minimum inhibitory concentration of meropenem and imipenemgrowth in Klebsiella strains isolated from urinary tract infection in Shahrekord educational hospitals

Background and aims: Klebsiella is an opportunistic organism that is the cause of severe diseases such as pneumonia, septicemia, andurinary tract infections (UTIs). In addition, high antibiotic resistance has challenged the treatment of this bacterium. However, carbapenemantibiotics are considered as the therapeutic agents for selecting the treatment of penicillin- and cephalosporin-resistant gram-negativebacterial infections. The present study aimed to determine the resistance and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of meropenem andimipenem.Methods: A total of ۸۰ Klebsiella spp isolated from UTIs were collected in various educational wards (i.e., urology, obstetrics, andgynecology, as well as the units of infectious diseases, internal medicine, and intensive care) in different hospitals of Shahrekord. Theisolates were then identified by using biochemical tests. Further, disc diffusion method was employed to determine the antibiotic resistance.Furthermore, MIC was estimated by the Epsilon-test strip. Moreover, P=Q=۰.۵۰, an error of ۰.۰۵, and an accuracy of ۰.۱۱ were consideredfor determining the sample size (n = ۸۰).Results: Based on the results of disc diffusion method, ۲۴ strains were resistant to meropenem and imipenem. Additionally, the MIC was ۲۴(۳۰%) by the E-test. In addition, ۲۴ isolates had a MIC of ≥۴ μg/mL for meropenem and imipenem and thus were resistant while ۱۸ isolateswere found to have a MIC of ۱≤ MIC<۴ μg/mL and therefore, were considered semi-sensitive (P < ۰.۰۰۱).Conclusion: In general, Klebsiella strains were found to be resistant to meropenem and imipenem. Therefore, rapid and accurateidentification of these strains and the selection of appropriate antibiotics can help quickly eradicate the infections caused by these bacteria.Accordingly, a waste of time, the consumption of medication, or even an increased resistance are prevented.

Keywords:

Klebsiella , Antibiotic resistance , Meropenem , Imipenem