Understanding the challenge
Antibiotic resistance has rapidly become one of the greatest threats to global health. Among the pathogens of concern, Klebsiella pneumoniae stands out for its ability to develop multidrug and even pan-drug resistance. One of the key mechanisms behind its persistence in clinical environments is its capacity to form biofilms — structured bacterial communities encased in a self-produced matrix that provides protection against both antibiotics and host immune responses.
Our research approach
In this study, we set out to explore the connection between biofilm formation and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from clinical samples.
Identification of isolates was performed through 16S rRNA sequencing, ensuring accurate species-level classification. To evaluate biofilm-forming ability, we employed both the crystal violet microtiter assay for quantification and Congo red agar for phenotypic visualization.
Bacterial strains were categorized based on their resistance profiles—ranging from multidrug-resistant (MDR) to extensively and pan-drug-resistant (XDR, PDR)—and then compared for their biofilm-forming potential.
Key findings
Our analysis revealed a significant association between strong biofilm formation and higher levels of antibiotic resistance. Isolates capable of forming dense biofilms often carried multiple resistance genes, suggesting that biofilm formation may act as both a physical and genetic shield enhancing survival under antimicrobial stress.
Through real-time PCR, we observed that several resistance genes appeared upregulated in biofilm-producing strains, indicating that biofilm environments might stimulate gene expression linked to survival and defense.
Why it matters
These findings reinforce the need to consider biofilm inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Disrupting biofilm formation could enhance antibiotic efficacy and reduce persistent infections caused by K. pneumoniae and similar opportunistic pathogens.
Looking ahead
Our current work aims to integrate molecular data with advanced data visualization and computational analyses to further clarify the genetic pathways that connect biofilm physiology and resistance evolution. This approach may open the door to more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies in clinical microbiology.
Published in September 2025. This study represents part of my Master’s research exploring the molecular interplay between microbial biofilms and antibiotic resistance mechanisms.