ANALYSIS OF ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY AND RESISTANCE OF KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE IN VARIOUS BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae remains one of the most pressing issues in clinical microbiology and healthcare. With the active spread of multidrug-resistant strains, especially in hospital settings, the need for local monitoring of antibiotic susceptibility is becoming increasingly urgent to ensure effective treatment selection. Objective: To assess the susceptibility and resistance of K. pneumoniae isolated from various biological materials to a broad spectrum of antibiotics and to identify the most effective drugs for empirical therapy. Materials and Methods: The study utilized retrospective laboratory data from 169 clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, obtained from five types of biological materials: sputum (n=65), ENT samples (n=45), urine (n=45), cerebrospinal fluid (n=9), and wound exudate (n=5). The analysis included 15 antibiotics from different classes, including cephalosporins, carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and others. Susceptibility and resistance percentages were calculated using standard formulas. Microsoft Excel was used for primary data processing, and IBM SPSS Statistics was employed for descriptive statistical analysis. Results: The highest susceptibility rates were observed for Imipenem (84.5%), Minocycline (82.4%), and Amikacin (79.6%), with resistance levels remaining below 20%, confirming their high efficacy against K. pneumoniae. Moderate activity was shown by Piperacillin, Cefepime, and Meropenem (approximately 70% susceptibility). In contrast, Nitrofurantoin, Cefazolin, and Trimethoprim showed the lowest activity, with resistance reaching up to 60% in some sample types. Differences in susceptibility profiles were noted depending on the biological material, although overall trends were consistent. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of systematic local monitoring of K. pneumoniae antibiotic susceptibility, particularly in the context of widespread resistant strains. Imipenem, Minocycline, and Amikacin may be considered first-line agents for empirical treatment of K. pneumoniae infections. The reduced efficacy of several traditional antibiotics also highlights the need for cautious use in clinical practice.