Rising threat of Klebsiella-associated wound infections in animals: Challenges of ESBL production and biofilm formation

The presence of Klebsiella spp. producing extended-spectrum p-lactamase (ESBL) and capable of forming biofilms poses a serious public health concern. These ESBL-producing Klebsiella spp, with their biofilm-forming ability, can facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance and lead to prolonged infections in healthcare settings. This study was conducted to assess the ESBL production and biofilm-forming potential of Klebsiella spp. isolated from clinical wounds of cattle, buffalo, goats, and dogs. In this study, a total of 22 Klebsiella isolates were obtained from 150 clinical wound samples collected from various animal species at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC), DUVASU, Mathura, between November 2021 and June 2022 and laboratory investigation was conducted at the Department of Veterinary Microbiology at DUVASU, Mathura. The antibiogram was assessed using 18 antibiotics with the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) production was evaluated using the double-disk synergy test (DDST), while resistance genes were identified through PCR assays. Biofilm production was assessed through qualitative and quantitative methods, including the Congo red agar method, tube method, and tissue culture (microtiter) plate method. The results revealed a high incidence of multidrug resistance, with the highest resistance observed to ampicillin, followed by ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin/sulbactam, co-trimoxazole, and kanamycin, while the most effective antibiotics identified were cefotaxime, gentamicin, and imipenem. Multiplex PCR testing revealed that the presence of the bla_SHV gene was highest (59.09%) among the different types of ESBLs, followed by the bla_CTX-M and bla_TEM gene among the resistant Klebsiella isolates. Additionally, 63.63% of the Klebsiella isolates were identified as high biofilm producers. This study highlights the critical need for judicious use of antibiotics to prevent the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella isolates. Effective management is essential for the rapid recovery of wounds, particularly in light of the increasing occurrence of biofilm-producing Klebsiella isolates.