Molecular Detection of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Screening of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes from Chicken Samples: A comparison study between Kunshan, China, and Nairobi, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajhs.v38i1.1

Abstract

Background: Resistance to antimicrobial (AMR) agents has been recognised as one of the global public health threats and a significant development concern. Misuse of antimicrobial agents in veterinary and human medicine has been reported as one of the factors accelerating the AMR threat. Klebsiella pneumoniae, a member of the Bacteriaceae, is mostly used as a community indicator due to its ability to acquire and transfer genes including potential AMR-genes including Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs), Carbapenemases, and colistin, across species, which may result in a public health concern. This study aimed to provide prevalence data for K. pneumoniae in poultry, assess antimicrobial resistance patterns, and determine resistance genes harboured.

Materials and Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study in Kunshan City, China, and Nairobi, Kenya. A total of 385 cloacal swabs were collected from live chickens, 192 from Kunshan, and 193 from Nairobi. Samples were cultured, isolated, and identified using standard media, and their identity was confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction and gel electrophoresis. Susceptibility of K. pneumoniae isolates towards antimicrobial agents was determined through the Disk diffusion technique, and results were determined according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI-M100-2022). The prevalence of resistance genes was also determined by PCR amplification alongside gene-specific primers.

Results: The prevalence of K. pneumoniae was higher in Kunshan (46.1%) compared to the prevalence recorded in Nairobi (35.9%). Resistance was reportedly high against Ampicillin,81.7%, Ciprofloxacin,60.8%, and Aztreonam,48.7%. BlaOXA-1 was the predominant resistance gene in both sites, while blaCTX-M and blaNDM-1 were highly noted in Nairobi isolates, with a significant difference of p=0.037, showing an existing variation in resistance genes based on region.

Conclusion: There was a high prevalence and resistance of isolates towards antimicrobial agents from both sites; however, the presence of resistant genes was predominant in isolates from Nairobi. The study highlights the need to invest in programs that will promote best practices, improve awareness, and establish surveillance programs exploring a One Health framework.