Evaluation of the impact of adaptation of Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates to benzalkonium chloride on biofilm formation

Abstract Background The percentage of the multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates is increasing worldwide. excessive exposure K. to sublethal concentrations biocides like benzalkonium chloride (BAC) in health care settings and communities could be one causes contributing global spread antibiotic resistance. Results We collected 50 these were daily exposed gradually BAC. consequence adaptation BAC on cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) biofilm formation was explored. Remarkably, 16% tested showed an increase 26% displayed enhanced formation. To evaluate whether influence demonstrated at transcriptional level, RT-PCR employed. Noteworthy, we found that 60% exhibited overexpression gene ( bss S). After sequencing this before after performing pairwise alignment, 100% identity detected; a finding means absence mutation Conclusion This study suggests widespread increased use has led by isolates. Enhanced result treatment failure infections generated pathogen.