Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The relationships between phagocytosis, and mucoid phenotype, plasmid profile and virulence, and resistance genetic characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates were evaluated.
METHODS
Thirty isolates were used to determine the mucoid aspect. Four were selected for analysis of phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages.
RESULTS
Thirty percent of the samples presented the mucoid phenotype. The phagocytosis rate ranged from 21.5% to 43.43%. Phagocytosis was not correlated with the plasmid profile, but was apparently correlated with mucoid phenotype and antibiotic susceptibility.
CONCLUSIONS:
Several virulence factors act in parallel in K. pneumoniae to impair host defense.
Keywords:
Klebsiella pneumoniae; Alveolar macrophages; Phagocytosis; Mucoid phenotype; Genetic characteristics
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