Characterization and horizontal transfer of enhanced spectrum beta-lactamases production in klebsiella pneumoniae clinical strains from 2011 to 2016 in abidjan (côte d'ivoire)

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a commensal human bacterium that has become one of the major causative agents of hospital infections in recent decades. The aim of this study was to characterize broad-spectrum beta-latamase genes of the TEM, CTX-M and SHV type in Klebsiella pneumoniae on the one hand and to test their transferability. 91 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae were collected at the observatory of the resistance of microorganisms to anti-infectives in Côte d'Ivoire. Antibacterial sensitivity was determined by the solid-media diffusion method of antibiotic discs. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase production was confirmed by the double synergy method. The presence of blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaSHV genes was detected by the polymerase chain reaction. The diffusion of genetic support for antibiotic resistance was tested by bacterial conjugation. Results from this study showed a high resistance of clinical strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae to the majority of marker antibiotics used, particularly beta-lactams. Of the isolates, 28 (33.73%), 14 (16.86%), and 41 (49.39%) strains carried respectively the blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaSHV genes. The conjugation test was positive because the blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes were transferred to the recipient strain Escherichia coli CIP 104886. Although these observed prevalences are of small proportions, this can be considered as a warning signal for the future, hence the need for increased surveillance of anti-infectives in Abidjan.