Molecular characterization of genes generating beta-lactamase resistance in Gram-negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae

Background: Bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics represents a major public health challenge that complicates the implementation of treatment programs. Multiple mechanisms contribute to beta-lactamase resistance. A high incidence of ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria has been reported in numerous investigations to have that profile. One of the primary triggers of infection of the urinary tract is the invasive bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study aimed to identify beta-lactamase resistance-associated genes in K. pneumoniae isolates from Sayed Galal Hospital, Egypt. Methods: In this investigation, ten K. pneumoniae strains resistant to widely prescribed antibiotics were gathered in various specimens and subjected to traditional PCR analysis to detect the existence of the beta-lactamase resistance genes blaTEM and blaCTX to identify the resistance profile. Results: The present investigation revealed a predominance of resistant K. pneumoniae strains in vaginal swab specimens from elderly females, followed by pus samples from young females. All isolates exhibited resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics, highlighting a predominance of ESBL-producing strains. The highest prevalence of K. pneumoniae was observed in vaginal swabs (60%, 12 isolates), followed by pus samples (30%, 6 isolates) and urine samples (10%, 2 isolates). Resistant isolates were most prevalent in individuals aged 41–65 years (6 isolates), followed by 0–10 years (2 isolates), and fewer cases in the 11–20 years and 21–40 years age groups (1 isolate each). Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of ESBL-producing and antimicrobial-resistant isolates, it is crucial to identify and monitor these bacteria early to prevent future outbreaks. It is also critical for specialists to administer antibiotics appropriately, employing the correct therapeutic approaches, and delivering antibiotics in a proper and logical manner.