Random amplified DNA polymorphism of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the major causes of nosocomial infection. Understanding the route and dynamics of dissemination in the outbreaks of infections relies on using accurate typing methods. This is achieved through molecular typing using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis technique in correlation to the infection source and antibiotic resistance. In this study, a total of 300 clinical isolates were collected from different clinical sources among Mansoura University Hospitals, Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Ninety six isolates were identified as K. pneumoniae. The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed high resistance to the majority of tested antimicrobials, especially to β-lactams. K. pneumoniae isolates were categorized into 24 different antimicrobial susceptibility patterns (A1-A24). Furthermore, RAPD analysis was applied as a molecular typing method using two individual primers, AP3 and OPA13. RAPD typing showed 51 distinct patterns (R1-R51) verified into 5 groups (A, B, C, D, and E). The most common patterns were D11, D18 and D19 included in groups B and C. On the other hand, more molecular variable isolates were distributed in groups D and E. Correlation between RAPD analysis and antibiotying established that specific RAPD pattern D11 was associated with multidrug resistant isolates. This confirms that cross acquisition can play an important role in the epidemiology of nosocomial colonization and infection with K. pneumoniae at Mansoura University Hospitals. In conclusion, this study emphasized the need for appropriate monitoring of K. pneumoniae infections, by using both traditional and molecular methods. RAPD proved to be effective technique in discriminating K. pneumoniae isolates. Key words: Klebsiella pneumoniae, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), antimicrobial susceptibility, typing, dendrogram.