TITLE:
Multidrug Resistant Klebsiella Species from Clinical Isolates from Medical Emergency Unit of a Tertiary Hospital in South Eastern Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Chinedu Nweke Idakari, Christian Obasi Akpa, Ifeoma Cecilia Uche-Omovoh, Winifred Chinwendu Akpa, Ikechukwu Francis Agwu, Chinedum Christabel Amagwu, Uchechukwu Samuel Okparaoka, Godwin Macueley Emelobe, Ogochukwu Chioma, Ngozi Maryjane Ezekwesili, Chisom Vivian Okparaoka, Ogejah Kabiru Ndanusa
KEYWORDS:
Klebsiella, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Infection, ESBL, Carbapenemase, Multidrug Resistant
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.9,
September
16,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: The rising global prevalence of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella species poses a significant public health concern. Infections caused by these resistant bacteria are linked to high levels of morbidity and mortality, with mortality rates reported to be over 60% in affected individuals. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of multidrug resistant Klebsiella species isolated from patients attending the Adult Emergency Unit of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AEFUTHA). Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study involving consenting patients who presented to the Adult Medical Emergency Unit of AEFUTHA. Clinical specimens were obtained from patients showing signs of infection. The collected samples were processed in the laboratory, and relevant data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 146 (11.7%) Klebsiella isolates were recovered from the clinical specimens analyzed. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most frequently identified species, accounting for 58.9% of isolates, while Klebsiella oxytoca constituted the remaining isolates. Most isolates demonstrated susceptibility to piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem. Among the multidrug-resistant strains, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production was identified in 32.6% of K. pneumoniae and 31.7% of K. oxytoca isolates. Carbapenemase production was detected in 19.8% of K. pneumoniae and 10% of K. oxytoca isolates. Conclusion: A high burden of Klebsiella infections was observed among patients in the emergency unit of AEFUTHA. The majority of the isolates were multidrug-resistant organisms, including ESBL-producing and carbapenemase producing strains.