In vitro transfer of carbapenem resistant genes from Klebsiella pneumoniae to Escherichia coli J53

Abstract

Nocosomial pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram - negative bacterium that carries multiple antimicrobial resistant genes. Conjugative method was used for investigating of gene transfer from clinical carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates to a recipient E. coli J53 in vitro. Multiplex PCR & Real-time PCR was used for detection of transferable genes among these strains. Transconjugants showed resistance to multiple antibiotics due to the presence of ESBLs & AmpC -lactamase as well as carbapenemase encoding genes. This is the great concern in Vietnam because resistant E. coli may become part of the normal gut flora and thereby a notable source of infections among sick and healthy persons in healthcare settings and in the community.