الفهرس 
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Abstract
This present study was undertaken to compare the virulence characteristics and genetic relatedness between ESBL and non-ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. K. pneumoniae is considered an important opportunistic multidrug-resistant pathogen. Extended spectrum 𝛽-lactamases (ESBLs) and expression of a multitude of virulence factors may work in a harmony resulting in treatment failure. Antibiotic sensitivity test of all 100 isolates was determined by disc diffusion assay. Phenotypic and genotypic detection of ESBL were done. Various virulence factors and some virulence factor-associated genes were screened. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was employed to investigate the genetic fingerprints of ESBL from non-ESBL producing K. pneumoniae and to produce phylogenetic tree to study genetic relatedness among isolates. 50% of isolates were ESBL producers and were more resistant to antibiotics compared to non-ESBL producers. A significant association was observed between ESBL production and biofilm (strong and moderate), serum resistance, and iss gene. Moreover, significant association between non-ESBL producers and hypermucoviscosity was identified. Dendogram analysis of RAPD profile demonstrated more genetic relatedness among ESBL producing isolates compered to nonproducing. K. pneumoniae isolates were clustered into 4 major clusters (a, b, c, and d). Seventy-six percent of ESBL producers belonged to cluster (a). In conclusion, this study suggests a correlation between ESBL production and some virulence factors. Therefore, success of treatment depends mainly on increased clinicians awareness and enhanced testing by laboratories to reduce the spread of these isolates.