Abstract

The aim of this study is to phenotypically characterize Klebsiella isolates from rats. A survey  was  conducted on 100 swaps samples  obtained  from  captured  house  rats  in University of Abuja main campus from May to August 2021. Isolation and identification of the Klebsiella species was done using conventional cultural and biochemical techniques. Of the 100 samples analyzed, 20 (20%) were positive for Klebsiella, 12% of the isolates were identified as Klebsiella Pneumonia while 8% were identified as Klebsiella oxytoca. Isolates were further confirmed by Microbact 24E test kit identification system (Oxiod, UK). Klebsiella isolates encountered in this study were further subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using modified single disk diffusion method. Result of the antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the Klebsiella species were resistant to chloramphenicol (80%), gentamycin (90%), augmentin (80%), Cotrimoxazole (70%) and amoxicillin (70%). However, the Isolates were susceptible to Pefloxacin (100%), Streptomycin (40%), Ofloxacin (100%), Ciprofloxacin (100%) and Sparfloxacin (80%). Conclusively, this study documented the occurrence and existence of multiple resistant strains of K. Pneumonia and K. Oxytoca in rats in our environment and it is therefore of public health concern.

Key words: Klebsiella species, household rat, Rattus rattus, antimicrobial susceptibility.