Molecular Detection of Some Virulence Factors and Antibiotic Resistance Genes of Klebsiella Pneumoniae Isolated from Urolithiasis Patients

Abstract

Urolithiasis, also known as urinary stone disease, is a prevalent and recurrent ailment that affects around 12% of people worldwide, with a higher incidence in men. Recent research has highlighted the critical role that microbial infections particularly those caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae play in the development of stones, specifically through processes that include urease activity and biofilm formation. In addition to performing molecular detection of important virulence and antibiotic resistance genes that may be involved in infection pathogenesis and persistence, the study sought to determine the distribution of K. pneumoniae among urolithiasis patients in Karbala, Iraq.