GENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF KLEBSIELLA ISOLATES FROM DAIRY HERDS AND ENVIRONMENT

Genotypic characterizations of a number of 128 Klebsiella pneumoniae were carried out. Some virulence genes, namely fim H-1, mrkD, ycfM, entB, fyuA, hlyA, iroN, kpn, trat, irp-1, iutA, rmpA, magA, and cnf-1 were determined using specific primers by multiplex PCR. Genotyping was made using ERIC primers. The results showed that different K. pneumoniae genotypes caused mastitis. However, some strains similar to these were also isolated from rectal swabs or environments. We believe that this finding supports the hypothesis that K. pneumoniae as an environmental causative agent of mastitis. In conclusion, the application and verification of such genetic similarities by more powerful analysis methods to make a clearer assessment of the isolate distribution is still needed.