Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from Clinical Mastitis in Buffaloes

Mastitis is the most common serious and economical disease affecting the dairy industry. The current study aimed to determine the molecular characterization of K. pneumoniae isolated from buffaloes with clinical mastitis as well as determine the antimicrobial pattern and virulence associated genes. Out of examination one hundred and fifty dairy buffaloes at Beheria governorate, 57 (38%) showed clinical mastitis signs. All samples are submitted to bacteriological examination and confirmed by biochemical tests. The result showed that K.pneumoniae was identified in only five (8.7%). Regarding to the antibiogram profile, K. pneumoniae isolates exhibited high resistance pattern against Carbenicillin, Cefotaxime, Flumequine, Gentamicin, Kanamycin (100%) followed by Neomycin, Nitrofurantoin, Penicillin (80%) and Oxytetracycline, Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim (60%). Meanwhile, higher susceptibility to Ampicillin (100%), followed by Chloramphenicol, Colistin Sulphate, Erythromycin, and Streptomycin (80%). Molecular identification using the mPCR approach applied efficiently to detect the K. pneumoniae virulence genes (mrkA, mrkD, iutA) at 475, 226, 300bp respectively. In addition, the successfully detection of blaTEM and blaSHV for β lactams resistance genes at 516 and 392 bp. In conclusion, the phenotypic and genotypic resistance pattern of K. pneumoniae isolates indicates the portability of transmission of resistance genes through milk and food chain with public health concern.