Find in Library
Search millions of books, articles, and more
Indexed Open Access Databases
High Prevalence of <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> in Greek Meat Products: Detection of Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes by Molecular Techniques
oleh: Nikoletta Argyro Theocharidi, Iliana Balta, Dimitra Houhoula, Andreas G. Tsantes, George P. Lalliotis, Angeliki C. Polydera, Haralambos Stamatis, Panagiotis Halvatsiotis
Format: | Article |
---|---|
Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2022-02-01 |
Deskripsi
<b>Background:</b> The presence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens such as <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> strains in the food supply is dangerous. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of <i>Klebsiella pneumonia</i> strains in Greek meat products and evaluate their phenotypes and genotypes. <b>Methods:</b> One hundred and ten meat specimens were cultured for the isolation of <i>K. pneumoniae</i>. In positive specimens, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) analysis was performed to confirm the presence of <i>K. pneumoniae</i>. Genotypic and phenotypic evaluation of the isolated strains included multiplex immunoassay for the detection of carbapenemases, and PCR screening for the detection of resistance and virulence genes. <b>Results:</b><i>K. pneumoniae</i> strains were recovered in 90 (81.8%) meat samples. The <i>ecpA</i> gene was identified in 30 (33.3%) isolates, while the <i>fimH-1</i> and <i>mrkA</i> genes were present in 15 (16.7%) and 65 (72.2%) isolates, respectively. Sixty-five <i>K. pneumoniae</i> isolates (72.2%) were found to carry at least one resistance gene; of these, the <i>bla</i><i>NDM</i>-like was the most commonly identified gene in 40 (61.5%) isolates, followed by the <i>blaOXA</i>-48 like gene in 20 isolates (30.8%). <b>Conclusions:</b> A high frequency of foodborne <i>K. pneumoniae</i> in Greece was found. Our results indicate that most strains carried resistance and virulence genes, indicating a high pathogenic potential and a significant risk to human health.