Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae in Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Introduction A serious global threat of antimicrobial resistance has emerged due to the improper use of antibiotics, including polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing. This misuse has led bacteria to develop immunity against these drugs. <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, a concerning gram-negative bacterium, has become resistant, especially among immunocompromised diabetic patients for multiple antibiotics. To fight effectively this growing crisis and regain control of these infections, it is crucial to comprehend the resistance mechanisms utilized by the bacteria and develop a new therapeutic strategy to prevent antibiotic resistance. Materials and methods A five-month study from January 2023 to May 2023 was conducted at the tertiary healthcare facility of Saveetha Medical College by collecting 122 clinical specimens from patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and ulcer-related infections. The microbiological testing methods followed by the identification of bacteria using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) by the VITEK 2 Compact system were performed. Results A stout, rod-shaped, gram-negative bacilli was observed in gram staining, and growth of mucoid γ-hemolytic colonies and lactose-fermenting mucoid colonies were seen in blood and MacConkey agar plates. MALDI-TOF analysis confirmed the presence of <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> along with other bacteria such as <i>Klebsiella oxytoca</i>, <i>Staphylococcus</i> spp., <i>Proteus</i> spp., and <i>​​Escherichia ​coli</i>. VITEK showed high resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics, including carbapenems. Notably, isolates showed sensitivity and intermediate to tigecycline and colistin. Resistance patterns varied across specimen types, emphasizing the importance of considering clinical sources when interpreting data. Conclusion Hence, this study underscores the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents and effective infection control measures to combat multidrug-resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> infections. Understanding resistance mechanisms is essential for the incorporation of treatment strategies and preserving antibiotic efficacy.