Determination of antibiotic resistance and minimum inhibitory concentration of meropenem and imipenem growth in Klebsiella strains isolated from urinary tract infection in Shahrekord educational hospitals

Abstract

Background and aims: Klebsiella is an opportunistic organism that is the cause of severe diseases such as pneumonia, septicemia, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). In addition, high antibiotic resistance has challenged the treatment of this bacterium. However, carbapenem antibiotics are considered as the therapeutic agents for selecting the treatment of penicillin- and cephalosporin-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections. The present study aimed to determine the resistance and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of meropenem and imipenem. Methods: A total of 80 Klebsiella spp isolated from UTIs were collected in various educational wards (i.e., urology, obstetrics, and gynecology, as well as the units of infectious diseases, internal medicine, and intensive care) in different hospitals of Shahrekord. The isolates were then identified by using biochemical tests. Further, disc diffusion method was employed to determine the antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, MIC was estimated by the Epsilon-test strip. Moreover, P=Q=0.50, an error of 0.05, and an accuracy of 0.11 were considered for determining the sample size (n=80). Results: Based on the results of disc diffusion method, 24 strains were resistant to meropenem and imipenem. Additionally, the MIC was 24 (30%) by the E-test. In addition, 24 isolates had a MIC of ≥4 μg/mL for meropenem and imipenem and thus were resistant while 18 isolates were found to have a MIC of 1≤ MIC<4 μg/mL and therefore, were considered semi-sensitive (P<0.001). Conclusion: In general, Klebsiella strains were found to be resistant to meropenem and imipenem. Therefore, rapid and accurate identification of these strains and the selection of appropriate antibiotics can help quickly eradicate the infections caused by these bacteria. Accordingly, a waste of time, the consumption of medication, or even an increased resistance are prevented.