Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Clinical Specimens

Abstract

Introduction: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important opportunistic pathogen and has become
one of the most common cause of hospital acquired infections throughout the world. An increasing
trend of antimicrobial resistance among Klebsiella pneumoniae has been growing rapidly. This
study was conducted to investigate the current in vitro susceptibility pattern of clinically isolated
Klebsiella. pneumoniae.
Methods: A total number of 6549 urines, 732 pus and 1157 sputum samples from April 2015 to
September 2017 were included in the study. Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were detected by
their morphological and biochemical characteristics and were examined using modified Kirbybauer
disc diffusion method for antibiotic susceptibility testing. The antimicrobial disk used include:
ampicillin, cefazolin, gentamicin, amikacin, amoxyclave, cotrimoxazole, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone,
ciprofloxacin, imipenem, ceftazidime, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, nalidixic acid, and nitrofurantoin.
Results: The number of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were 164 from 6549 urine samples,
34 from 732 pus samples and 130 from 1157 sputum samples. Majority of the strains isolated
were sensitive to gentamicin, amikacin, cotrimoxazole, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin,
nitrofurantoin.
Conclusion: This study shows the incidence of infections due to Klebsiella pneumoniae in our
hospital from 2015 to 2017 and their propensity towards antibiotic resistance. The study will
assist in the empirical treatment of infection caused by Klebsiella species, however, constant
surveillance of antimicrobial resistance pattern of the microbe is essential in the formulation of an
antibiotic policy.
Key words: Antibiotic resistance ; Klebsiella pneumoniae