Abstract

Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae are responsible for opportunistic infections in humans, particularly of the urinary respiratory tracts. These bacteria express type 3 fimbriae that have been implicated in binding to eukaryotic cells and matrix proteins. Twenty four (24) K. pneumoniae strains isolated from medical devices were studied. Their capacity to form biofilm was assessed using two types of materials, polyvinylchloride (PVC) and glass of microfermenter in static or kinetic conditions. Strains with adherence to PVC also cling strongly to glass slides. We determined the in vitro effects of three antimicrobial agents against planktonic and biofilm forms of K. pneumoniae and we demonstrated that isolates of the biofilm form were at least 10-25 times more resistant than the planktonic form. Most strains of K. pneumoniae harbored the mrkD gene and exhibited a strong ability to adhere to inert surfaces.

Key words: Biofilm, Fimbriae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, polyvinylchloride (PVC), microfermenter.