Vol. 6 No. 02 (2025)
Articles

Antibiotic Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae in Iraq: A Narrative Review

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  • Nawfal R Hussein,
  • Alan A Muhammad,
  • Halder J Abozait
Nawfal R Hussein
Department of Biomedical sciences, College of Medicine, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Alan A Muhammad
Department of Biomedical sciences, College of Medicine, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Halder J Abozait
Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38094/jlbsr602162

Published 2025-07-16

Keywords

  • Antibiotic resistance,
  • Sensitivity,
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae,
  • B-lactamase,
  • Carbapenemase,
  • Iraq
    • ...More
    Less

How to Cite

Hussein, N., Muhammad, A., & Abozait, H. (2025). Antibiotic Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae in Iraq: A Narrative Review. Journal of Life and Bio Sciences Research , 6(02), 64 - 69. https://doi.org/10.38094/jlbsr602162

Copyright (c) 2025

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) poses a significant public health challenge globally, with Iraq experiencing a notable rise in multidrug-resistant strains. This narrative review evaluates current evidence on antibiotic resistance patterns and genetic mechanisms underlying resistance in K. pneumoniae isolates across Iraq. The review highlights a high prevalence of B-lactam resistance, particularly to penicillins and cephalosporins, largely driven by extended-spectrum B-lactamase (ESBL) genes such as blaSHV, blaTEM, and blaCTX-M. Carbapenem resistance is alarmingly increasing and is mediated primarily by carbapenemase genes, including blaOXA-48, blaNDM, and blaVIM, with the blaKPC gene emerging in select regions. Aminoglycoside resistance remains moderate, with amikacin retaining efficacy, though resistance genes like strA and strB contribute to variability. Quinolone resistance is attributed to chromosomal mutations, efflux pumps, and plasmid-mediated genes such as qnrS and qnrB, with resistance rates varying significantly by region and clinical setting. The dissemination of resistance is further facilitated by efflux pumps, including acrAB, mdtK, and tolC and porin loss (ompK35, ompK36). Despite increased research, gaps remain due to limited sample sizes and regional disparities in individual studies. To combat this escalating threat, the review advocates for a coordinated national surveillance system, stringent antibiotic stewardship, enhanced infection control measures, and wider implementation of molecular diagnostics. Addressing these challenges is crucial to controlling the spread of resistant K. pneumoniae and preserving the efficacy of existing antibiotics in Iraq.

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