Detection of Carbapenemase Genes Among Multi-Drug Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae from Clinical Specimens in Ibadan

• Author(s): Olamide S. Olowoyeye ; Hammed O. Bisiriyu ; Mojirayo T. Durowaiye ; Joy D. Ajiboye
• Paper ID: 1708995
• Page: 252-259
• Published Date: 09-06-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 12 June-2025

Abstract

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) has become a serious public health concern as it can resist last-resort antibiotics, making treatment more challenging. This research examines the genetic characteristic of multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae obtained from clinical specimens in Ibadan tertiary facility clinics, particularly detecting carbapenem resistance genes. 156 clinical specimens, including sputum, wound swabs, and urine, were collected from selected healthcare facilities. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed using standard microbiological methods and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to assess resistance patterns. Molecular analysis was conducted using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect genes responsible for carbapenem resistance, such as blaKPC, blaNDM, and blaVIM. Of the 156 clinical specimens examined, 52(33.8%) were positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae with the most significant proportion obtained from urine, 28(53.8%). The antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed multi-drug resistance, with imipenem (98.1%), cefotaxime (90.4%), and cefuroxime (92.3%) among the most affected antibiotics. However, meropenem (69.2%) showed the highest susceptibility, suggesting potential differences in carbapenemase gene spread and expression. The average Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index (0.85) obtained from AST assay further suggests strong antibiotic selection pressure among hospitals in this region, identifying the genetic factors driving carbapenem resistance. Molecular analysis via PCR assays confirmed the presence of carbapenemase genes, with bla_NDM (47%), bla_VIM, and bla_KPC identified in several isolates. The detection of these genes highlights the growing threat of carbapenem-resistant strains and suggests horizontal gene transfer as a potential mechanism for resistance spread. The widespread use and misuse of imipenem and meropenem may have contributed to the selection pressure driving this resistance. This study, however, emphasizes the pressing need for stronger antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance programs, and alternative treatment options to curb the spread of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in both clinical and public health environments.

Keywords

Resistance, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Carbapenemase, resistance genes(carbapenemase), Ibadan

Citations

IRE Journals:
Olamide S. Olowoyeye , Hammed O. Bisiriyu , Mojirayo T. Durowaiye , Joy D. Ajiboye "Detection of Carbapenemase Genes Among Multi-Drug Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae from Clinical Specimens in Ibadan" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 12 2025 Page 252-259

IEEE:
Olamide S. Olowoyeye , Hammed O. Bisiriyu , Mojirayo T. Durowaiye , Joy D. Ajiboye "Detection of Carbapenemase Genes Among Multi-Drug Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae from Clinical Specimens in Ibadan" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(12)