Molecular detection of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from clinical specimens in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is among the most frequent opportunistic pathogens causing wide range of infections and the emergence and spread of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae are problems currently threatening global health. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and to detect carbapenem resistance genes in Jos, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 19 clinical specimens were collected from Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Jos, Nigeria. Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified by cultural and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were tested for carbapenemase production and blaKPC, blaVIM,and blaNDM genes using Modified Hodges Test and multiplex PCR respectively. Results: Of the 19 clinical specimens examined, 8(42.10%) were positive for Klebsiella pneumonia and most of the isolates were recovered from urine 5(62.50%), followed by sputum 2(25.00%) and isolates from wounds swab recorded the lowest occurrence, 1(12.50%). Antibiotic susceptibility test showed that isolates were highly resistant to gentamicin (62.50%), ceftriaxone (50.00%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (62.50%), ciprofloxacin (37.50%), cefepime (62.50%), clarithromycin (50.00%) and meropenem 3(37.50%). Polymerase chain reaction screening for blaKPC, blaVIM,and blaNDM genes which code for carbapenemases among the 3 meropenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were not detected. Conclusion: The expression of high phenotypic antibiotic resistance recorded in this study could be suggestive of other resistance genes which this study was limited for. Therefore, monitoring of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae with the aim of screening other antibiotic resistance genes is strongly recommended