Faecal Carriage and Molecular Characterization of ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Among Community-Dwelling Adults in Tumkur, South India

Klebsiella pneumoniae; faecal carriage; community-dwelling adults; antimicrobial resistance; multidrug resistance; ESBL; realtime PCR; CTX-M; Tumkur.

Dr. Neha,
Senior Resident , Department of
Microbiology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College,
Tumkur, Affiliation- Sri Siddhartha Academy of
Higher Education, Tumkur,
Orchid id- 0009-0006-9338-2344, Mail idneha61917@gmail.com

Dr. Sudeep Kumar M ,
Professor, department of microbiology,
Sri Siddhartha medical college, Tumkur,
Affiliation- Sri Siddhartha
Academy of Higher Education, Tumkur,
Orchid id- 0009000387054406, Mail idsudeepssmc@gmail.com

Dr. Veena Krishnamurthy3,
Professor, department of microbiology,
Sri Siddhartha medical college, Tumkur,
Affiliation- Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, Tumkur,
Orchid id – 0009000271811946, Mail id- veena_kumara@rediffmail.com

Received: 18-06-2026
Revised: 21-07-2026
Accepted: 28-07-2026

European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34(7s), 746–750

Faecal Carriage and Molecular Characterization of ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Among Community-Dwelling Adults in Tumkur, South India

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing global public health concern. The gastrointestinal tract of apparently healthy individuals may serve as an important reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Faecal carriage of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in the community may contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. This study investigated faecal carriage, antimicrobial resistance and molecular characteristics of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae among community-dwelling adults in Tumkur, South India. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 860 apparently healthy adults in Tumkur, Karnataka, South India. Faecal specimens were processed using standard microbiological methods for isolation and identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. The results were interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing, 30th edition (M100, 2020) [6]. MDR was determined according to the study criteria. ESBL production was assessed phenotypically, followed by molecular characterization of selected ESBL-associated resistance determinants using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: Of the 860 participants, 450 (52.3%) were female and 410 (47.7%) were male. Among Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, resistance was highest to Tetracyclines (50%), followed by Fluoroquinolones (49%) and Cephalosporins (49%). MDR was observed in 48% of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. ESBL production was detected phenotypically, and real-time PCR was used for molecular characterization of ESBL-associated genes, including blaCTX-M, blaSHV and blaOXA-associated genes. In the overall thesis dataset, blaCTX-M was the predominant ESBL-associated determinant. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a substantial burden of antimicrobial resistance among faecal K. pneumoniae isolates from community-dwelling adults in Tumkur. The high prevalence of MDR and the presence of ESBLassociated resistance determinants indicate that apparently healthy community members may constitute an important reservoir of antimicrobial resistance. Community-based AMR surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship and rational antibiotic use are warranted.

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