Virulence and antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from wastewater

Abstract Background Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) strains are considered a global public health threat. The aim of the present study was to assess occurrence resistant and virulent Kp in Italian environmental wastewater, order evaluate contribution wastewater as reservoir multidrug-resistant bacteria. Methods Forty samples were collected six sampling sessions from June November 2018 Central Italy processed detect Kp. All presumptive colonies isolated identified by MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker Daltonics, Germany), then genome sequences all confirmed obtained using Illumina Sequencing. Finally, characterization virulence resistance genes performed silico BIGSdb-Kp database provided Institut Pasteur (http://bigsdb.web.pasteur.fr). Results detected 32 out 40 (80%) MS. Genotyping analysis showed that besides native bla-SHV, bla-LEN, bla-OKP linked β-lactams resistance, gyr par genes, involved quinolone no other detected. Regarding virulence, carried fimbriae encoding gene mrk, associated with adhesion biofilm formation. ferric aerobactin receptor iutA harbored 3 (9.4%). siderophore Yersiniabactin locus (ybtS, ybtX, ybtQ, ybtP, ybtA, irp2 irp1, ybtU, ybtT, ybtE, fyuA), essential for iron scavenging, is 7 (21.9%). Conclusions Our results high prevalence also several genes. These make interesting investigate more about hot spots enrichment, recombination, genetic exchange selection antibiotic “super-bugs” persisting surviving environment could be risk humans animals. Key messages Wastewater play role can disseminate into wildlife reach humans. It’s necessary “one health” approach deeply presence superbugs bacteria possible risks human health.