Abstract
Background and aims: Klebsiella is an opportunistic organism that is the cause of severe diseases such as pneumonia, septicemia, and
urinary tract infections (UTIs). In addition, high antibiotic resistance has challenged the treatment of this bacterium. However, carbapenem
antibiotics are considered as the therapeutic agents for selecting the treatment of penicillin- and cephalosporin-resistant gram-negative
bacterial infections. The present study aimed to determine the resistance and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of meropenem and
imipenem.
Methods: A total of 80 Klebsiella spp isolated from UTIs were collected in various educational wards (i.e., urology, obstetrics, and
gynecology, as well as the units of infectious diseases, internal medicine, and intensive care) in different hospitals of Shahrekord. The
isolates were then identified by using biochemical tests. Further, disc diffusion method was employed to determine the antibiotic resistance.
Furthermore, MIC was estimated by the Epsilon-test strip. Moreover, P=Q=0.50, an error of 0.05, and an accuracy of 0.11 were considered
for determining the sample size (n=80).
Results: Based on the results of disc diffusion method, 24 strains were resistant to meropenem and imipenem. Additionally, the MIC was 24
(30%) by the E-test. In addition, 24 isolates had a MIC of ≥4 μg/mL for meropenem and imipenem and thus were resistant while 18 isolates
were found to have a MIC of 1≤ MIC<4 μg/mL and therefore, were considered semi-sensitive (P<0.001).
Conclusion: In general, Klebsiella strains were found to be resistant to meropenem and imipenem. Therefore, rapid and accurate
identification of these strains and the selection of appropriate antibiotics can help quickly eradicate the infections caused by these bacteria.
Accordingly, a waste of time, the consumption of medication, or even an increased resistance are prevented.