Detection of FimH gene of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate from quail cloacal swab in Surabaya city market

Abstract

Quail is an alternative poultry besides chicken but is susceptible to various diseases, one of which is Klebsiella pneumonia infection. K. pneumoniae bacteria have 4 well-known virulence factors, namely fimbriae, capsules, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and siderophores. Fimbriae are hair-like proteins that extend from the cell surface. In K. pneumoniae, Fimbriae promote attachment to non-biological surfaces. Fimbriae are divided into types 1 and 3 according to the most studied. FimA, the major fimbriae subunit, FimH, and the minor apical adhesion protein make up type 1 fimbriae. FimH contains mannose and encourages adherence to the host surface. A robust biofilm is formed when bacteria bind to the surface, which is facilitated by increased expression of the FimH gene. The purpose of this study was to detect the FimH gene in K. pneumoniae in the Surabaya City market. A total of 130 cloacal swab samples were taken from five markets in Surabaya (Turi market, Cemara Pabean market, Bratang market, Kupang market, and Benowo market) and then planted on Mac Conkey agar and Gram stained on colonies suspected to be K. pneumoniae. Colonies on MCA media showed a pink color and were mucoid. Gram staining showed Gram-negative bacteria, short rods, single or paired. Biochemical testing was carried out with TSIA and iMViC (SIM, MR, VP, and SCA). Isolation and identification showed that the percentage of K. pneumoniae was found at 10% (13/130). PCR testing detected the FimH gene at 85% (11/13). K. pneumoniae bacteria carrying the FimH gene increase the risk of biofilm formation which can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics to antibiotic resistance, thus potentially disrupting public health.