Phenetic analysis of Klebsiella Pneumoniae in Semarang, Indonesia among clinical samples based on biochemical and antimicrobial profile

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant opportunistic pathogen, commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections. In Semarang, Indonesia, the prevalence and characteristics of K. pneumoniae in clinical samples remain inadequately studied, particularly concerning its biochemical and antimicrobial resistance profiles. Aims: This research aimed to conduct a phenetic analysis of K. pneumoniae isolated from clinical samples in Semarang, focusing on their biochemical characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility. Method: During one month at K.R.M.T Wongsonegoro Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia, clinical samples were collected from patients diagnosed with infections caused by K. pneumoniae. BD Phoenix 100 was used for bacterial identification and susceptibility testing. Data were analyzed using PFE (Programmer's File Editor) software. Then analyzed with the MVSP version 3.1 (Multi-Variate Statistical Package) program. A Simple Matching Coefficient was used to determine the similarity between strains. The UPGMA technique is then used to cluster the dataset. The findings of the analysis are shown as a dendrogram. Result: Biochemical profiling showed that all isolates exhibited characters consistent with K. pneumoniae. K. pneumoniae isolated from clinical patient samples showed that 35.2% were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) strains, and the remaining 58.8% were susceptible to antibiotics. Results also showed that the most potent antibiotics against K. pneumoniae were amikacin (MIC≤8µg/mL) and meropenem (MIC≤1µg/mL). Amikacin and meropenem showed the lowest resistance rates, with susceptibility observed in 100% of isolates. Conclusion: The findings highlight a concerning level of antimicrobial resistance among K. pneumoniae isolates in Semarang, notably to cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides, indicating a need for ongoing surveillance and effective infection control measures. This study underscores the importance of understanding local epidemiological trends in combating K. pneumoniae infections effectively.