Relationship between Biofilm and the Presence of Drug Resistance Genes in Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella Pneumoniae in Qom Hospitals

Background & Objectives: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant cause of nosocomial infections. This bacterium survives in difficult conditions by forming biofilms in hospital equipment and causes severe infections. On the other hand, the emergence and spread of carbapenem resistance among bacteria and biofilm production is a current health concern. There are controversial findings about the relevance of this issue. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between biofilm formation and carbapenem resistance among clinical isolates. Materials & Methods: A total of ۱۶۰ isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae were collected. Molecular methods were used to detect resistance genes. Subsequently, the ability to produce biofilms in isolates with resistance genes was assessed. Finally, the correlation of biofilm formation among resistant isolates was calculated using χ۲ test. Results: ۷۹ imipenem-resistant isolates were obtained. ۴۶ isolates (۶۶.۶۶%) containing VIM gene, ۳۶ isolates (۵۲.۱۷%) containing OXA-۴۸ gene,  five isolates (۷.۲۴%) containing NDM gene,  Six isolates (۸.۶۹%) containing gene IMP and  five isolates (۷.۲۴%) also  had KPC gene. The results showed a significant correlation between the ability to form biofilms and the presence of carbapenem-resistant genes. Conclusion: Increased carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates and its association with biofilm formation is severe warning for basic measures to combat this phenomenon.

Keywords:

Klebsiella pneumoniae , biofilm , drug resistance , carbapenemase gene , metallobetalactamase gene