Molecular Detection of Metallo-β-Lactamase (MBL) and Other Carbapenemase Genes and Their Resistance Patterns in Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Hospitals in Diwaniyah, Iraq

Dania Ali Azeiz Al-Saadi

doi:10.51699/cajmns.v7i2.3128

Authors

Dania Ali Azeiz Al-Saadi Department of Pathological Analysis, College of Science, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51699/cajmns.v7i2.3128

Keywords:

Klebsiella pneumoniae, metallo-β-lactamase, Carbapenemase Genes, Polymerase Chain Reaction and Modified Hodge Test

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen, responsible for infections in hospital and non-hospital settings. It is becoming increasingly well-known for its capacity to grow resistant to so many drugs, including carbapenems. The aim of the present study was to detect MBL and other carbapenemase genes, to further understand the variation in susceptibilities between K. pneumoniae strains obtained from hospitals in the Diwaniyah Governorate, Iraq.40 medical samples were taken between November 2025 and January 2026 from burns, wounds and urine. Of them, 20 represented unique K. pneumoniae tests. We used a PCR approach to detect the presence of the carbapenemase genes ( VIM, NDM, KPC and SME) and the production of carbapenemase was determined by Modified Hodge Test (MHT). The findings showed a high degree of resistance to carbapenem antibiotics and the ability of 80% of the isolates to produce carbapenemase enzymes. Molecular analysis revealed that NDM was found in only one isolate (5%), while the VIM and SME genes were the most common (55% each), followed by KPC (50%). Multidrug resistance poses a serious threat, as evidenced by the coexistence of multiple carbapenemase genes in multiple isolates. To prevent carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae from spreading in healthcare settings, these findings highlight the critical need for ongoing molecular surveillance, stringent infection control protocols, and prudent antibiotic use.

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