Prevalence of Drug Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Bloodstream Infections among Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in South Bihar

Introduction: Klebsiella species are ubiquitous Gram-negative bacilli responsible for a variety of healthcareassociated infections, including bloodstream infections (BSIs) that can lead to septicaemia. Drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains are emerging as significant pathogens, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae in bloodstream infections and to determine its antibiotic susceptibility pattern among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in South Bihar. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, NMCH, Sasaram, Bihar, from December 2022 to December 2023. Blood samples from patients admitted to various wards and ICUs were processed using an automated blood culture system. Positive bottles were subjected to Gram staining and subculture on Blood and MacConkey agar, followed by overnight incubation. Preliminary identification was done based on colony morphology, Gram staining, and basic biochemical tests like catalase and oxidase. Further identification included conventional biochemical tests such as indole, citrate, TSI, urease