Biofilm-Associated Antibiotic Resistance in Indian Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Systematic Review With a Post Hoc Meta-Analysis of blaNDM Prevalence

A systematic review and meta-analysis examined biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae in India, a pathogen increasingly associated with hospital infections. The study found that many isolates are strong biofilm producers, which helps bacteria attach to surfaces and protects them from antibiotics, contributing to treatment failure and persistent infections. The analysis also highlighted a high prevalence of the carbapenem-resistance gene blaNDM, which produces the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase enzyme capable of inactivating last-resort antibiotics such as carbapenems. Overall, the findings emphasize that the combination of biofilm formation and potent resistance genes is accelerating multidrug resistance in K. pneumoniae, underscoring the urgent need for improved infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, and new treatment strategies.