Isolation and Identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae using API-20E analytical system and conventional PCR assay

Klebsiella spp., particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae, are important causes of nosocomial infections due to the presence of capsular polysaccharide which is a major surface-located virulence properties associated with the pathogenesis of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The capsule is an elaborate polysaccharide matrix that encases the entire cell surface and provides resistance against many host defense mechanisms. D-galacton II has an important role in synthesising the lipopolysaccharide of Klebsiella pneumoniae and many other gram negative bacteria. This study included the isolation of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria from different sources in the environment and identification by using API-20E system and a conventional Polymerase chain reaction assay which detects Klebsiella pneumoniae wbbZ gene that involved in expression of D-galacton. The results of our study confirmed the positive identification of the bacteria using API-20E analytical system and also the presence of wbbZ gene in two of Klebsiella pneumoniae tissue invasive strains using conventional PCR assay.