Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae : the role of plasmids in emergence, dissemination, and evolution of a major clinical challenge

Genomic insights on the potential role of the accessory genome in the emergence of a novel geographically restrictedK. pneumoniaelineage as a high-risk clone

“…Klebsiella pneumoniae is a prominent opportunistic pathogen considered one of the most challenging agents of nosocomial infections, which are mainly caused by multidrug resistant K. pneumoniae (MDR-KP). The evolution of this multidrug resistance in association with the acquisition of virulence factors by horizontal gene transfer contributes to its persistence in clinical settings and to the efficient establishment of infections, leading to the emergence of high-risk pandemic clones [1]. In fact, most reports on MDR-KP isolates include successful lineages, such as ST15, ST512, and those belonging to clonal group CG258, ST11 and ST258, which are currently the major lineages responsible for the global dissemination of carbapenemase-coding genes bla KPC-2 and bla NDM-1 and carbapenem resistance [2].…”

Molecular Characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates Through Whole-Genome Sequencing: A Comprehensive Analysis of Serotypes, Sequence Types, and Antimicrobial and Virulence Genes

“…Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CR-Kp) strains have been spreading globally and contributing to treatment failures [4,5]. The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene bla OXA is one of several genes identified in K. pneumoniae isolates that contribute to carbapenemase activity and resistance to the carbapenem group of antibiotics, which are generally employed as last resort antimicrobial agents to treat infections with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria [6].…”