First Detection of NDM-type Carbapenemase-Producing K. pneumoniae isolated from Clinical Samples in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Author(s): Abdoul Karim Ouattara, Blandine Ouédraogo, Amana Mètuor Dabiré, Rahimatou Yasmine Wendkuni Tiemtoré, Serge Sougué, Jacques Simporé

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most concerning Gram-negative opportunistic pathogens responsible for various infectious diseases. The rapid emergence and spread of clinically multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent strains of K. pneumoniae constitute a serious public health threat. The aim of this study was to identify the NDM-type carbapenemase gene in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pédiatrique Charles De Gaulle (CHUP-CDG) de Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Methods: Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were isolated from various biological samples (urine, pus, blood, stool, cerebrospinal fluid) between 2009 and 2013 at the CHUP-CDG. The antibiotic susceptibility test for ceftriaxone (CRO), ceftazidime (CAZ), cefotaxime (CTX), and imipenem (IMP) was performed using the disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. The blaNDM gene was detected by classical PCR.

Results: Out of 10 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, the susceptibility test showed high resistance to cephalosporins. The resistance rates were 80.00% for CRO, 90.00% for CTX, 100% for CAZ, and 10.00% for IMP. Molecular characterization of NDM-type metallo-β-lactamases by PCR revealed one (10.00%) strain carrying the blaNDM gene. Resistant strains and the NDM gene were mostly found in bacteria isolated from urine.

Conclusions: This study highlights the presence of the blaNDM gene in resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae to β-lactams at CHUP-CDG. Surveillance measures should be taken to prevent the emergence of bacteria producing these enzymes.