Klebsiella pneumoniae survives on surfaces as a dry biofilm

Centeleghe, Isabella, Norville, Philip, Hughes, Louise ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9723-3975 and Maillard, Jean-Yves ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8617-9288 2023. Klebsiella pneumoniae survives on surfaces as a dry biofilm. American Journal of Infection Control 51 (10) , pp. 1157-1162. 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.02.009

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Abstract

Background Dry surface biofilms (DSB) are widespread in healthcare settings presenting a challenge to cleaning and disinfection. Klebsiella pneumoniae has been a focus of attention due to antibiotic resistance and the emergence of hypervirulent strains. Few studies have demonstrated K pneumoniae survival on surfaces following desiccation. Methods DSB were formed over 12 days. Bacterial culturability and transfer were investigated following DSB incubation up to 4 weeks. Bacterial viability in DSB was investigated with live/dead staining using flow cytometry. Results K pneumoniae formed mature DSB. After 2 and 4 weeks of incubation, transfer from DSB was low (<55%) and reduced further (<21%) following wiping. Culturability at 2 and 4 weeks varied although viability remained high indicating viable but non culturable state (VBNC). Discussion K pneumoniae was removed from surfaces by mechanical wiping as shown with DSB of other species. Although culturability was reduced over time, bacteria remained viable up to 4 weeks incubation, proving the need for robust cleaning regimens. Conclusions This is the first study confirming K pneumoniae survival on dry surfaces as a DSB. The presence of VBNC bacteria indicated that K pneumoniae can for extended periods, raising questions about its persistence on surfaces.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Pharmacy
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0196-6553
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	2 April 2023
Date of Acceptance:	17 February 2023
Last Modified:	04 Oct 2023 11:33
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/158275

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