Phenotypic Profiling of Biofilm Development and Efflux Pump Mechanisms in Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae

Authors

  • Hadiza Na`'iya Misbahu Department of Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria
  • Abdulhamid Yusuf Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina, Nigeria
  • Zahra Na`'iya Misbahu Department of Microbiology, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Nigeria
  • Dikwa, K. B. Department of Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria
  • Shafa'atu Abubakar Department of Biology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
  • Bilkisu Isma'il Department of Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria
  • Fadila Isyaku Department of Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria
  • Adeleye Adewale Isaac Department of Microbiology, University of Lagos, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47430/ujmr.25103.015

Keywords:

Biofilm, Efflux pump, Multidrug-resistant (MDR), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Antibiotics

Abstract

Study’s Excerpt:

  • All pneumoniae isolates were multidrug-resistant.
  • High resistance seen to Ofloxacin (75%) and Cephalexin (56%).
  • 25% of isolates formed biofilms; 12.5% showed efflux pump activity.
  • Ethidium bromide and Congo red agar were used for phenotypic tests.
  • Biofilms and efflux pumps contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Full Abstract:

Klebsiella pneumoniae causes diverse healthcare- and community-associated infections, frequently affecting patients with indwelling medical devices. Its ability to form biofilms and activate efflux pumps enhances antibiotic resistance. These two mechanisms work synergistically, accelerating the emergence of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae strains..This study investigated the antibiotic resistance patterns of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in relation to their potential for biofilm formation and efflux pump activity. A total of Sixteen (16) K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained from the Department of Microbiology, University of Lagos, Lagos State. Confirmation of K. pneumoniae was conducted through culture, microscopy, and biochemical assays. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using six routinely prescribed antibiotics. Phenotypic assessment of efflux pump activity and biofilm formation was conducted using the ethidium bromide (EtBr) cartwheel assay and Congo red agar method, respectively. The results indicated that all isolates were multidrug-resistant, exhibiting high resistance to Ofloxacin (12, 75.00%), Cephalexin (9, 56.25%), and Ampicillin (8, 50.00%). Four 4(25%)isolates demonstrated biofilm-forming ability, while only two 2(12.5%) isolates exhibited efflux pump activity. The results highlight biofilm formation and efflux pump activity as key virulence mechanisms contributing to the pathogenicity and multidrug resistance of K. pneumoniae, highlighting the need for targeted therapeutic strategies to overcome these resistance mechanisms.

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Published

30-06-2025

How to Cite

Misbahu, H. N., Yusuf, A., Misbahu, Z. N., Dikwa, K. B., Abubakar, S., Isma’il, B., Isyaku, F., & Isaac, A. A. (2025). Phenotypic Profiling of Biofilm Development and Efflux Pump Mechanisms in Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae. UMYU Journal of Microbiology Research (UJMR), 10(3), 127–134. https://doi.org/10.47430/ujmr.25103.015

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 3 (2025): Conference Special Issue, UMYU Journal of Microbiology Research (UJMR), Volume 10, Number 3, June 2025

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Hadiza Na`'iya Misbahu, Abdulhamid Yusuf, Zahra Na`'iya Misbahu, Dikwa, K. B., Shafa'atu Abubakar, Bilkisu Isma'il, Fadila Isyaku, Adeleye Adewale Isaac

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