Distribution and Resistance Profile of Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains at the Yaoundé Central Hospital: Analysis and Implications

Introduction: The misuse of antibiotics has driven the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, with certain bacterial species, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, initially susceptible to most antibiotics, now exhibiting resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated at the Yaoundé Central Hospital. Methodology: The study was conducted over a period of 4 months (March 1st, 2023-July 1st, 2023) and involved 32 strains isolated from bacterial cultures performed on patients, regardless of sex. The different Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were isolated using conventional methods. Identification, antibiogram, and detection of resistance enzyme production were generated using the VITEK 2 system. The Carbapenem-resistant K.N.I.V.O. kit was used to detect carbapenemases. Data analysis was performed using EXCEL 2019 software. Results: Out of 196 samples collected from various biological products, 32 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were isolated, representing 16.32% (196/32). Urine samples were most frequently affected, accounting for 53.125%. The emergency department was the most represented (40.63%) by these isolates. The mean age was 50 years, with a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 80 years. The sex ratio was equal to 1. The identified strains were resistant to cefotaxime (78.13%), cefoxitin (62.50%), tobramycin (71.88%), gentamicin (56.25%), ofloxacin (81.25%), and cotrimoxazole (78.13%). 78.25% were ESBL producers. Three strains were resistant to carbapenems, accounting for 9.37%; one of which exhibited the NDM type. Conclusion: This study highlights the evolving bacterial resistance to antibiotics, which requires adequate measures through the strengthening of the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) program in Cameroon.