Exploring Drug Resistance and Biofilm Formation in Gram-Negative Clinical Isolates

Abstract

Background: Biofilms are clusters of microorganisms surrounded by a slimy matrix composed of extracellular polysaccharides known as polysaccharide intercellular adhesion (PIA). Bacterial species frequently associated with biofilm formation include Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [1], [3]. This study was conducted to analyze the antibiotic resistance patterns and assess the capacity to create biofilms in clinical isolates of gram-negative bacteria. Methods: All clinical samples received in the laboratory for microbial culture during a one-year study period were incorporated into this research. We conducted antibiotic susceptibility testing, detected extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) presence in clinical isolates. Biofilm production was assessed using the Congo red agar method, Christenson’s Test Tube method, and the Tissue culture plate method. Results: A total of 320 gram-negative isolates were identified in this study. The highest proportion consisted of Klebsiella pneumoniae (32.62%), followed by Escherichia coli (28.54%), Acinetobacter baumanii (16.41%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.61%), and Citrobacter species (3.67%). The majority of the isolates exhibited resistance to ampicillin (93.47%), amoxiclave (86.46%), and ceftazidime (75%). Conclusion: There is a rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria that also form biofilms [4]. It is advisable to implement regular monitoring of multidrug resistance patterns and biofilm formation in clinical laboratories to provide guidance for appropriate antibiotic treatment.