IDENTIFICATION OF CAPSULAR TYPES K1 AND K2 IN CLINICAL ISOLATES OF KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE PRODUCING BIOFILM AND NON-PRODUCING BIOFILM

Background and Aim:Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen commonly causes health-care associated infections. Biofilm formation and capsule play major role in development of K. pneumoniae infections. Capsular serotypes K1 and K2 of this bacterium can cause severe diseases in human. The purpose of this study was to determine the serotypes K1 and K2 and biofilm formation among K. pneumoniae isolates collected from medical diagnosis laboratories in Shahrekord, Iran.Methods:This study was performed on 50 clinical samples of K. pneumoniae. The ability of biofilm formation was investigated by Microtiter Plate assay. DNA was extracted by boiling. The 16srRNA gene, K1 and K2 serotypes were determined by PCR method. Data analysing was carried out using Chi-square test and SPSS software version 18.Results:The 16srRNA gene was observed in all strains. 44 (88%) isolates were biofilm producer and 6 (12%) isolates were non-producing biofilm. Serotype K1 and K2 existed in 13 (26%) and 6 (12%) isolates respectively. Data analysing by Fisher test showed a statistically significant relationship between the capsular serotype and biofilm formation (P> 0.05).Conclusion:The findings indicate that serotype K1 is one of the most important capsular serotypes in K. pneumoniae. Due to potential risk of these serotypes in hospital settings, identification of these serotypes is essential and important.

Keywords:

Klebsiella pneumoniae , capsular serotype , biofilm