Background: Biofilm and siderophores protect K. pneumoniae, making them resistant to
antimicrobials and increase the ability to evade immune system. Objective: The aim of
the present study was to detect some of the virulence genes responsible for biofilm
formation and siderophore production implicated in the pathogenesis of K. pneumoniae.
Methodology: Crystal violet method was used to detect biofilm phenotypically,
hypermucoviscosity by string test and virulence genes were detected by PCR. Results:
Phenotypically, biofilm formation was positive in 76% and negative in 24%.
Genotypically, FimH and ycfm were detected in 100% of isolates while mrkD in 98%.
Kfu, entB and iutA were found in 100%, 68% and 34% respectively. Phenotypically by
string test 66% of isolates were classified as hypermucoviscous, while 34% as classical.
rmpA gene was detected in 52% of isolates. Conclusion: FimH, mrkD, ycfm, Kfu and
iutA genes are implicated in multisystemic infection of K. pneumoniae. Enterobactin
gene is more predominant than other siderophore genes.
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