Molecular detection and gene expression of carbapenemase (blakpc) encoding gene of Klebsiella pneumonae isolated from clinical samples.

Abstract

Background: Klebsiella pneumonia carbapenemases (blakpc) can hydrolyze carbapenems, which cause many bacteria resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, so the rapid spread of blakpc is concerning. Laboratory identification of blakpc-carrying clinical isolates would be critical in limiting the bacteria's spread. This study would look at a quick and low-cost real-time PCR assay for detecting the level of expression of the black gene from Klebsiella pneumonia before and after being treated with a specific concentration of the Meropenemas drug. Method: From January 2021 to March 2021, Twenty-three K. pneumoniae strains were collected from patients presenting at various hospitals in Baghdad, Iraq. The disk diffusion method was used to test the strains, and the E-test minimum inhibitory concentration was determined (MIC). The black gene was then identified using the reverse transcription-PCR method. Finally, gene expression was measured using a real-time PCR assay in the presence and absence of Meropenem antibiotics. Results: Phenotypic testing revealed a high level of antibiotic resistance, whereas genotypic methods revealed the presence and expression of carbapenemase gene. Conclusion: The findings suggest revisions to current antibiotic therapy protocols due to the high expression level of resistant carbapenemases in K. pneumoniae strains. Keywords: MIC, Meropenemas antibiotic, Gene expression, Real-time PCR.