Study on bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli from blood of suspect septicemia patient

Abstract

Septicemia, a life-threatening bloodstream infection, continues to pose significant public health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh where multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens are prevalent. This study aimed to identify the bacteriological profile and evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in septicemia-suspected patients. Blood samples from 20 patients were collected from different hospitals in Dhaka and analyzed using selective culture methods, DNA extraction, PCR, and antibiotic susceptibility testing via the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Out of 20 samples, 9 (45%) showed positive bacterial growth. Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified in 5 samples (25%) and Escherichia coli in 4 (20%). A significant age-based prevalence was observed, with all infections occurring in individuals aged 30 and above, particularly those aged 40–69. Gender-based analysis showed a higher infection rate among males (66.7%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin, erythromycin, cefixime, and chloramphenicol. In contrast, imipenem, meropenem, and ciprofloxacin retained high efficacy against both pathogens. Notably, MDR and extended drug-resistant (XDR) patterns were detected in both bacterial species. From the result observation of Klebsiella pneumoniae 25% of the drugs exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) and for Escherichia coli 21.43% of the drugs exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). It is clear that the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic capabilities, age-targeted infection control, and antibiotic stewardship in Bangladesh. Findings contribute valuable data to local antimicrobial resistance surveillance and highlight the need for evidence-based treatment protocols to combat septicemia and its associated morbidity and mortality.