ISOLATION AND ANTIBIOTICS SUSCEPTIBILITY OF KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONAE FROM HOSPITALISED PATIENT AT NKST HOSPITAL MKAR

ABSTRACT Klebsiella pneumoniae is a leading cause of healthcare-associated urinary tract infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae among hospitalized patients in NKST Hospital, Mkar, and to evaluate its association with age, gender, ward distribution, and selected risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 early-morning midstream urine samples collected from in-patients aged 10–>40 years. Samples were cultured on MacConkey and Blood agar, and isolates were confirmed using Gram staining and biochemical tests. Associations between prevalence and patient characteristics were analyzed using chi-square tests (p < 0.05). The prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae was 39.0%. Infections were significantly higher in patients aged >40 years (71.4%) and 21–30 years (54.7%) compared to other groups (χ² = 20.434; p < 0.05). Females had a higher prevalence (54.0%) than males (24.0%) (χ² = 9.458; p < 0.05). Ward distribution revealed higher prevalence in Maternity (78.6%), ICU (54.5%), and Emergency (53.3%) compared to Surgical (25.0%) and General (23.1%) wards (χ² = 17.828; p < 0.05). Risk factors such as shared underwear (63.6%) and unhygienic restrooms (42.0%) were significantly associated with infection (χ² = 7.915; p < 0.05). The findings suggest that Klebsiella pneumoniae infections are influenced by demographic factors and hospital environments. The higher prevalence in women may relate to anatomical susceptibility, while ward-specific differences highlight varying infection control challenges. Hygiene-related practices further underscore the role of modifiable risk factors. Klebsiella pneumoniae prevalence was high and significantly influenced by age, gender, ward type, and hygiene practices. Strengthened infection control and targeted preventive measures are recommended.