Detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae using efflux genes in waste samples
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Detection of klebsiella pneumoniae from clinical and medical waste samples using efflux genes (rama and acra)
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Fatma Chalob Al Saadi and Dr.Watheq Abas Al-Dreaghi
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Detection of klebsiella pneumoniae from clinical and medical waste samples using efflux genes (rama and acra)
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are predominantly hospital-acquired, affecting individuals with weakened immune systems. The rise of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae strains is becoming a significant concern in healthcare. This study aimed to molecularly diagnose the presence of K. pneumoniae in clinical and medical waste samples using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect the efflux genes ramA and acrA. A total of 160 samples were collected, with 115 specimens testing positive for K. pneumoniae. The findings highlight the efficacy of PCR as a faster and more cost-effective method for diagnosing multidrug-resistant strains compared to traditional methods.
Multidrug Resistance in K. pneumoniae
The study found that all K. pneumoniae isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, with medical waste isolates demonstrating higher resistance levels to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline than clinical isolates. This resistance can be attributed to the frequent utilization of these antibiotics in hospitals, leading to the selection of resistant strains. The efflux genes identified—ramA and acrA—are implicated in this multidrug resistance through their ability to expel a wide range of antibiotics from bacterial cells, thus reducing the effective concentration of these drugs inside the bacteria.
Role of ramA in Resistance Mechanisms
The ramA gene plays a crucial role in the development of multidrug resistance in K. pneumoniae. Initially discovered in the species, ramA is believed to work in conjunction with genes coding for outer membrane proteins to enhance resistance to various antibiotics. In this study, all clinical and medical waste samples were found to be positive for the ramA gene, which is consistent with previous research indicating a correlation between ramA expression and resistance to fluoroquinolones, chloramphenicol, and tetracyclines. Furthermore, the overexpression of ramA is linked to increased transcription levels of the acrA gene, underscoring its role as a regulatory mechanism in antibiotic resistance.
Functionality of the acrA Efflux Gene
The acrA gene is part of the AcrAB multidrug efflux system in K. pneumoniae, playing a significant role in antibiotic resistance by facilitating the extrusion of a diverse array of drugs. The study demonstrated a 77% positivity rate for the acrA gene across the samples, indicating its prevalence in resistant strains. The overexpression of acrA is linked to the activation and increased transcription of the ramA regulator, suggesting a potential feedback loop whereby the two genes enhance each other's expression in the presence of antibiotic stress. This interplay highlights the relevance of acrA in the overall resistance phenotype observed in K. pneumoniae isolates.
Conclusion
The study underscores the importance of molecular techniques such as PCR in accurately diagnosing infections caused by K. pneumoniae, particularly multidrug-resistant strains. The detection of ramA and acrA efflux genes illustrates how these molecular markers can aid in understanding the mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance. The findings advocate for the integration of such molecular methods in clinical settings, which could lead to better management of resistant infections. As multidrug resistance continues to rise, identifying and monitoring the genetic factors contributing to resistance becomes crucial for effective therapeutic strategies.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study on Klebsiella pneumoniae?
The study aims to detect Klebsiella pneumoniae from clinical and medical waste samples using molecular techniques, specifically targeting efflux genes ramA and acrA through PCR.
How many samples were collected for testing in the study?
A total of 160 samples were collected, consisting of 80 patient samples and 80 medical waste samples from various sources including laboratory waste and outpatient clinics.
What percentage of samples tested positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae?
Out of 160 specimens, 115 tested positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae, indicating a significant prevalence in both clinical and medical waste samples.
Which genes were analyzed for the detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae?
The study focused on the ramA and acrA genes, which are associated with multidrug resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae.
What method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing?
The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method, following guidelines from the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards.
What were the main findings regarding drug resistance?
The study found that all Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were multidrug resistant, with higher resistance rates in medical waste isolates, suggesting the impact of heavy antibiotic use.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae using efflux genes in waste samples”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Rama:
Rama refers to a specific gene ('ramA') involved in the multidrug resistance mechanism in Klebsiella pneumoniae. It has been associated with the regulation of antibiotic resistance through the expression of efflux pump genes. This gene's study is crucial in understanding and combating antibiotic resistance in clinical strains of bacteria.
2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
An antibiotic is a substance used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, often used in treating bacterial infections. The study of antibiotic resistance, particularly in pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae, underscores the importance of monitoring antibiotic use in medical waste to prevent the emergence of resistant bacterial strains.
3) Study (Studying):
A study is a systematic investigation into a subject. In this context, the study focuses on the detection of K. pneumoniae from clinical and medical waste samples using specific genetic markers. Such studies help in understanding the prevalence and resistance patterns of bacteria, aiding public health measures.
4) Cati:
Saadi refers to Fatma Chalob Al Saadi, the author of the research. Her work in detecting multidrug-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae emphasizes the significance of molecular techniques in clinical microbiology, contributing to better diagnostic methods implemented in healthcare settings to combat resistant infections.
5) Purification:
Purification in this context refers to the extraction process of genomic DNA from bacterial samples. The purification step is critical for ensuring the quality and concentration of DNA needed for accurate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, which detects specific genes like ramA and acrA related to antibiotic resistance.
6) Discussion:
Discussion is a critical section of a scientific paper that interprets findings, compares with existing literature, and suggests implications. In this study, the discussion focuses on the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae strains, the effectiveness of the PCR method, and the link between genetic expression and resistance phenotype.
7) Mutation:
Mutation refers to a change in the DNA sequence of an organism. In the context of Klebsiella pneumoniae, mutations can lead to increased expression of resistance genes such as ramA which can confer multidrug resistance, thus affecting treatment options and necessitating ongoing research into genetic factors of resistance.
8) Disease:
Disease refers to a pathological condition resulting from infection, such as those caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. These infections are particularly serious in immunocompromised individuals, making understanding their prevalence and antibiotic resistance crucial for developing effective treatment protocols and preventive measures in clinical settings.
9) Family:
Family, in this context, refers to the taxonomic classification of organisms. Klebsiella pneumoniae belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family, which includes other significant pathogens. Understanding familial relationships helps microbiologists develop targeted strategies for studying resistance mechanisms across related species and informing clinical practices.
10) Water:
Water, while not explicitly the focus of the study, may relate to the biomedical waste environment where K. pneumoniae is found. Understanding the role of water in the spread of infections and resistance genes is crucial, especially when considering waste management practices in healthcare to limit environmental contamination.
11) Blood:
Blood is one of the clinical sample types tested for Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in the study. It serves as an important diagnostic fluid for detecting bloodstream infections, underscoring the interconnection between serious infections and antibiotic resistance phenomenon in hospital settings.
12) Roman (Roma):
Roma may refer to the outer membrane protein associated with resistance or may be a typographical error in referencing the ramA gene. This gene has significant implications for the antibiotic resistance profiles of K. pneumoniae, emphasizing the need for precise genetic exploration in related studies.
13) Chan:
Chan refers to a key researcher whose findings are cited in the study. This highlights the collaboration and contributions of various scientists in understanding Klebsiella pneumoniae's role in hospital-acquired infections, and their work aids in framing the context for contemporary research on antibiotic resistance.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae using efflux genes in waste samples’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Polymerase chain reaction, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Gel electrophoresis, Nosocomial infection, Clinical isolate, Underlying disease, Genomic DNA Extraction, Hospital acquired infection, Ciprofloxacin resistance.