Frequence and resistance profile of Klebsiella spp. isolates in a university hospital in Natal/RN during a ten-year period

Abstract

Introduction: Klebsiella spp. species can cause several infections, particularly nosocomial ones. Furthermore, its multiple emerging resistance mechanisms have been widely described. Objectives: To determine the isolation frequency and resistance profile of Klebsiella spp. at a university hospital during a ten-year period as well as to assess the increase in its resistance. Material and method: A retrospective and descriptive study was carried out based on data collected from the record books of the Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology of the investigated Hospital from January 1999 to December 2008. Results: The isolation frequency of Klebsiella spp. was 13.4%, predominantly in urine cultures (56.4%). There was a significant increase in resistance to most antimicrobials tested over the analyzed period; 23% of Klebsiella spp. with ESBL phenotype was isolated over this period. Discussion: Multi-resistant Klebsiella spp. isolates from clinical samples as well as its growing trend in resistance mechanisms, including to reserve drugs, are cause for great concern. The implementation of screening and confirmatory methods of bacterial resistance could aid in the diagnosis and treatment of infections caused by this microorganism. Conclusion: The increase in resistance to antibiotics reinforces the importance of continuous monitoring, which elucidates local characteristics and allows more suitable control measures.