Background/Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among
microorganisms is a public health problem, especially in underdeveloped
countries. Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, particularly those caused
by multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, can result in major health issues such as
extended hospital stays, unsuccessful treatments, and even death. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common
bacterium responsible for many cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The
growing resistance of this organism to various antibiotics is reducing the
number of effective treatment choices.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to ascertain the
occurrence and antibiotic resistance patterns of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from the urine of students in a
tertiary institution.
Materials and Methods: The Experimental non-randomised trial
research design was used in this research work. The study was conducted at the
Department of Applied Microbiology of Enugu State University of Science and
Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of 67 urine samples were collected
aseptically from apparently healthy students. A loopful of each urine sample
was inoculated on MacConkey agar for significant bacterial growth. The isolates
were identified using standard microbiological procedures.
Results: Results showed a mean bacterial load of 1.7×104 cfu/ml
from males and 2.1×104 cfu/ml from females. Out of 67 urine samples collected,
17 (25.37%) yielded positive growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The male students
had 6 (18.75%) from 32 urine samples, while female students had 11 (31.43%)
from 35 urine samples. There was no significant difference (p˃0.05) in the
prevalence rates among the male and female students. Isolated organisms had
varying degrees of resistance to the antibiotics used. Klebsiella pneumoniae from males had resistance to the following
antibiotics: amoxicillin at 83.3%; streptomycin and ofloxacin at 50%
respectively; cotrimoxazole, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and pefloxacin at
66.67% respectively; gentamycin at 83.3% while Klebsiella pneumoniae from females had resistance on amoxicillin at
81.82%; streptomycin at 54.53%; sparfloxacin at 72.73%; ciprofloxacin at
63.64%. Generally, the isolates from females had more resistance to the
antibiotics than the males. It was also observed that Klebsiella pneumoniae was resistant to more than two classes of
antibiotics used in the study: β-lactam, quinolones and aminoglycosides.
Multidrug resistance (MDR) index ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 for males and 0.2 to
0.9 for females.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae and MDR index among the students in the study
was a threat to their health and indicative of poor personal hygiene. To
prevent antibiotic resistance, it is essential to carefully choose the right
antibiotic and use it responsibly, following proper dosage and administration
guidelines. Therefore, public enlightenment programmes should be carried out to
educate them on the prevention of urinary tract infections.
Author
(s) Details
Ugwu,
Celestina Chibuzo
Department of Applied Microbiology, Enugu State University of
Science and Technology, P.M.B. 01660, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mbrao/v3/5239
