Detection And Prevalence of AmpC Genes in K. pneumoniae Isolates from Clinical Samples in Al- Basrah Governorate, Iraq

AmpC beta-lactamases are clinically important cephalosporinases encoded on the chromosomes of many enteric bacteria and some other organisms. Objective: detect AmpC genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae samples isolated from different sources. Methods: 100 samples were collected using sterile cotton swabs from patients in Basrah hospitals and transferred to the College of Science, University of Basrah for culture on differential media, isolation, and identification. Drug susceptibility testing was performed to detect the corresponding enzymes, and genetic testing was performed to detect the AmpC genes (CIT and DHA). Results: 79(79%) of 100 swab samples yielded positive culture results on MacConkey agar, but 54(68.4%) of 79 samples were K. pneumoniae on HiCrom K. pneumoniae agar. Drug susceptibility testing results were as follows: 12(24%) of K. pneumoniae isolates were positive for AmpC β-lactamase production, while 38 (76%) of K. pneumoniae isolates were negative for AmpC β-lactamase production, using the disk approximation test. Genetic testing results were as follows: 8(15%) K. pneumoniae isolates out of 50 sample K. pneumoniae isolates was gave the positive results for CIT gene, 9(18%) K. pneumoniae isolates out of 50 sample K. pneumoniae isolates was gave the positive results for DHA gene. Conclusions: The prevalence of AmpC genes in bacterial samples increases their resistance to many antibiotics, putting public health at risk.