Archives

Page No. : 49-52

ABSTRACT

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a versatile pathogen capable of forming biofilms on various surfaces, significantly impacting medical treatment due to reduced susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to assess biofilm formation among K. pneumoniae isolates and explore the relationship between biofilm development and the presence of fimH (type 1 fimbrial gene) and mrkD (type 3 fimbrial gene). A total of 78 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from 220 samples, including 55 each of beef, dung, water, and hand swabs from butchers. Biofilm formation was evaluated using the microtiter plate method, and molecular tests were conducted to detect the fimH and mrkD genes. Results showed that 31 isolates (39.74%) were weak biofilm producers, 37 (47.43%) were moderate, 6 (7.7%) were strong, and 4 (5.13%) did not form biofilms. Among the isolates, 63 were positive for the fimH gene, and 57 were positive for the mrkD gene. A statistically significant correlation was identified be¬tween biofilm formation and the presence of type 1 and 3 fimbrial genes, highlighting the complex interaction between biofilm development and genetic factors. These findings underscore the biofilm-forming potential of K. pneumoniae in different environments and emphasize the importance of understanding this phenomenon for effective prevention and control strategies in both clinical and environmental contexts.

Keywords: Biofilm formation, fimbrial genes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, microtiter plate assay