Phenotypic and Genotypic Assessment of Virulence Potential of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Wounds in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the predominant pathogens found in wounds. Multidrug resistant K. pneumoniae poses a challenge to treatment due to complications that may arise. The presence of virulent determinants would pose a further public health risk. This study aimed to assess the phenotypic and genotypic virulence potential of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolated from wounds in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A total of 200 wound samples were obtained and evaluated for the presence of K. pneumoniae using standard microbiological culture techniques and appropriate biochemical tests. Test isolates were assessed for antimicrobial susceptibility and multidrug resistant isolates were identified. Three virulence traits (hemolytic activity, biofilm formation potential and protease production) were determined using standard methods. DNA of test isolates was extracted using the boiling method, and isolates were assessed for the presence of three virulence genes (entB, mrkD, and fimH genes). Out of 30 K. pneumoniae isolates identified and evaluated, 60% were multidrug resistant, 70% (30% beta hemolysis and 40% alpha hemolysis) showed hemolytic activity, 7 isolates (23.3%) were positive for protease production, and 11 (36.7%) exhibiting biofilm forming potential. This study also revealed the presence of the entB gene (13.3% occurrence) and the mkrD gene (6.7% occurrence), with a co-occurrence of the entB and mkrD genes in one isolate. The fimH gene was not detected in any of the isolates assessed. This study notes a higher occurrence of virulence traits in multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates than in non-MDR isolates.