Genetic similarity and biofilm production by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from infection and colonization

• Grant number: 23/02640-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: May 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Tiago Casella
• Grantee: Caroline Atuí
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Infections caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) are considered a threat to public health. KPC-Kp infections can be associated with the patient's prior colonization, and biofilm production is an important factor for this condition. Thus, the present study aims to know this adherent capacity and the genetic similarity of those isolates of KPC-Kp that colonize and those that cause infection in humans. Such results will be important for a better understanding of the colonization/infection relationship. To this end, 381 KPC-Kp isolates obtained from surveillance culture or infection site samples from 172 patients admitted to a tertiary-care hospital will be typed by XbaI-PFGE. Then the biofilm production in abiotic surface ability will be also investigated. At the end of this study, we intend to verify the relationship between biofilm production and KPC-Kp isolation from infection or colonization sites in human beings. In addition, molecular typing will show the ability in spreading of this important group of bacteria among patients from the same health care institution.