Detection of virulence factors in a corneal isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
OBJECTIVE
To report on the microbiological findings of a Klebsiella pneumoniae strain isolated from a patient with keratitis.


METHODS
Interventional case report.


METHODS
Conjunctival swabs and corneal scrapings from the right eye were inoculated for culture. The isolate was analyzed for the presence of the mucoid phenotype and the ability to form biofilm. We also investigated whether the formation of biofilm by the corneal Klebsiella isolate is affected by N-acetylcysteine.


METHODS
Culture results and biofilm production were analyzed.


RESULTS
K. pneumoniae was grown from the conjunctiva and cornea. The isolate showed the mucoid phenotype and strong biofilm production. N-acetylcysteine had an inhibitory effect on both biofilm formation and preformed biofilm.


CONCLUSIONS
K. pneumoniae can cause severe keratitis. The presence of virulence factors, such as the mucoid phenotype and the ability to form biofilm, may be important in determining corneal infection. N-acetylcysteine is a potential candidate for use as an inhibitor of Klebsiella biofilm formation.
Pinna
Antonio
A
Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy. apinna@uniss.it
Sechi
Leonardo A
LA
Zanetti
Stefania
S
Carta
Francesco
F
D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000382:microbiology; D003315:Cornea / Q000382:microbiology*; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007710:Klebsiella Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D007711:Klebsiella pneumoniae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D037521:Virulence Factors / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D037521:Virulence Factors; D000111:Acetylcysteine