The Rep-PCR Typing of TEM type ESBL Producing Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella Pneumonia

1.1. Objective:The aims of this study were to detect and fingerprint TEM-producing clinical isolates of K pneumonia. 1.2. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study from July 2013- May 2015, a total of 200 K. pneumonia isolates were collected from various origins (all from hospital acquired infections) in Tehran, Iran. The antibiotic susceptibility and MIC of isolates were performed according to the CLSI guidelines. The combined disk method was employed to determine ESBL producer isolates. PCR was done for detection of the gene encoding TEM type enzyme. The rep-PCR technique was applied for the fingerprinting of K. pneumonia isolates. 1.3. Results: The age range of patients was 1-69 years (mean= 41.33, including 93 (46.5%) males and 107 (53.5%) females). Ninety (45%) isolates exhibited MIC≥2 to ceftazidime and cefotaxime, respectively, and 87 (43.5%) demonstrated ESBL production. The highest and lowest resistance was against erythromycin and imipenem (93.5% and 0%, respectively). The prevalence of blaTEM gene among ESBL producers was 87.3% (n=76). The rep-PCR typing of isolates showed diversity but a 90% similarity among TEM producing isolates, suggesting polyclonal spread of TEM type producing isolates. 1.4. Conclusion: The findings of the current study concluded the emergence and spread of K. pneumonia isolates producing TEM type enzymes with a genetically diverse background in Tehran.