Molecular Analysis of FimH Gene in Biofilm-Producing and Multidrug Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

Authors

Afrah Mehdi Alwan, Dept. of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, IraqFollow
Hanaa Naji Abdallah, Dept. of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, IraqFollow
Alaa Salim Hamzah, Institute of Medical Technical /Baghdad, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, IraqFollow

Document Type

Original Study

Keywords

Biofilm; FimH; Type 1 fimbriae; MDR ; K. pneumoniae

Abstract

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant gram-negative, opportunistic bacterium. Among the many infectious disorders it can cause are infections of the bladder, bacteremia, pneumonia, and hepatic abscesses. Biofilms slow down the rate of bacterial growth, prevent antibiotics from penetrating the body, encourage the creation of persister cells, and promote genetic exchange. Thus, biofilms can lead to an outbreak of superbug infections. Objectives: This study aimed to molecularly analyze the FimH gene in biofilm-producing and multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae. Materials and Methods: 250 clinical samples were collected from several hospitals in Baghdad and from different clinical sources. Laboratory diagnosis was based on morphological and biochemical tests. Then, confirmation by the VITEK 2 system compact. About 68 (27.2%) isolates of K. pneumoniae were obtained. Disk agar diffusion testing was used to screen for antibiotic susceptibility in accordance with CLSI 2023. Consequently, 44 (64.7%) MDR bacterial isolates were detected that were resistant to one or more of three classes of antibiotics. Biofilm production was detected for these MDR strains using the Congo red method. Results: The number of black, crystalline-dry colonies regarded as test-positive was 32 (72.7%). DNA was extracted from 24 strains, which were MDR and biofilm producers. Following this, PCR technology was used to amplify the FimH gene using specific primers. FimH was detected in all these isolates (100%). The products of PCR were sent to Macrogen Corporation in Korea for sequencing. The analysis of sequences, carried out using bioinformatics software, and the drawing phylogenetic trees between the locally isolated strains showed genetic variation among them. Conclusion: There is a relationship between biofilm formation and the spreading of drug resistance in K. pneumoniae as well as an increase in the expression of FimH among biofilm-forming strains.

How to Cite This Article

Alwan, Afrah Mehdi; Abdallah, Hanaa Naji; and Hamzah, Alaa Salim (2024) "Molecular Analysis of FimH Gene in Biofilm-Producing and Multidrug Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae," Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science: Vol. 2: Iss. 3, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62445/2958-4515.1028