Antimicrobial Resistance and Comparative Genome Analysis of Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Isolated in Egypt

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important human pathogen in both developing and industrialised countries that can causes a variety of human infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections and bacteremia. Like many Gram-negative bacteria, it is becoming resistant to many frontline antibiotics, such as carbapenem and cephalosporin antibiotics. In Egypt, K. pneumoniae is increasingly recognised as an emerging pathogen, with high levels of antibiotic resistance. However, few Egyptian K. pneumoniae strains have been sequenced and characterised. Hence, here, we present the genome sequence of a multidrug resistant K. pneumoniae strain, KPE16, which was isolated from a child in Assiut, Egypt. We report that it carries multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, including a bla(NDM-1) carbapenemase and extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes (i.e., bla(SHV-40), bla(TEM-1B), bla(OXA-9) and bla(CTX-M-15)). By comparing this strain with other Egyptian isolates, we identified common plasmids, resistance genes and virulence determinants. Our analysis suggests that some of the resistance plasmids that we have identified are circulating in K. pneumoniae strains in Egypt, and are likely a source of antibiotic resistance throughout the world.

Automated summary

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important human pathogen in Egypt with high levels of antibiotic resistance, and strain KPE16 isolated from a child in Assiut carries multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, including a bla(NDM-1) carbapenemase and extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes. Comparison with other Egyptian isolates reveals common plasmids and resistance genes, suggesting a potential source of antibiotic resistance worldwide.