Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Genetic Basis of Resistance of <i>Klebsiella spp</i> Isolated from Diarrheic and Non-Diarrheic Children at Health Facilities in Mukuru Informal Settlement, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to public health and particularly to children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of multidrug resistance of fecal Klebsiella spp on selected beta lactam (3rd generation cephalosporins and carbapenems) and fluoroquinolone classes of drugs in four health facilities serving the slum communities of Nairobi city in Kenya. Additionally, determine the genetic basis for the multidrug resistance observed. A cross sectional laboratory based study was undertaken where a total of 1171 children below 16 years were selected, from whom stool samples were collected, tested and analyzed. 395 (33.73%) Klebsiella spp were isolated, consisting of 365 (92.4%) Klebsiella pneumoniae and 30 (7.6%) Klebsiella oxytoca were isolated. The proportion of multi-drug resistance (MDR) K. pneumoniae and MDR K. oxytoca was 64.1% (234/365) and 96.67% (29/30) respectively. Third generation cephalosporins, cefotaxime ceftriaxone and ceftazidime showed the highest resistance of 30.7%, 29.9% and 27.4% respectively, whereas carbapenems including imipenem and meropenem had the least resistance of 1.6%, each, to K. pneumoniae. A significant association was observed in diarrheic children (OR = 1.88; p = 0.01) and those below 50 months (OR = 0.43; p = 0.002) and carrying K. pneumoniae resistance to one or more third generation cephalosporins. Genes associated with resistance included bla TEM 100%, bla CTX-M 95.2%, bla SHV 57.1%, bla OXA-1 66.7%, qnrS 54.1%, qnrB 47.6% and bla NDM 7.1%. In conclusion, there’s need for more effective infection control measures, antimicrobial stewardship to reduce emergence of antimicrobial resistance, improved drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices.