Klebsiella pneumoniae Biofilms and Their Role in Disease Pathogenesis

Abstract

The ability to form biofilms is a crucial virulence trait for several microorganisms, including Klebsiella pneumoniae – a Gram-negative encapsulated bacterium often associated with nosocomial infections. It is estimated that 65-80% of bacterial infections are biofilm related. Biofilms are complex bacterial communities composed of one or more species encased in an extracellular matrix made of proteins, carbohydrates and genetic material derived from the bacteria themselves as well as from the host. Bacteria in the biofilm are shielded from immune responses and antibiotics. The present review discusses the characteristics of K. pneumoniae biofilms, factors affecting biofilm development, and their contribution to infections. We also explore different model systems designed to study biofilm formation in this species. A great number of factors contribute to biofilm establishment and maintenance in K. pneumoniae, which highlights the importance of this mechanism for the bacterial fitness. Some of these molecules could be used in future vaccines against this bacterium. However, there is still a lack of in vivo models to evaluate the contribution of biofilm development to disease pathogenesis. With that in mind, the combination of different methodologies has great potential to provide a more detailed scenario that more accurately reflects the steps and progression of natural infection.

Phenotypic Characterization of Virulence Factors and Antibiogram of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Various Clinical Samples – A Cross Sectional Study

“…biofilms, responsible for colonization of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary tract and the development of invasive infections especially in immunocompromised patients Klebsiella pneumoniae, can adhere to medical devices forming biofilms, thus preventing the antibacterial factors. 12,13 In the antibiotic era, K. pneumoniae is a documented cause of healthcare-associated infections (HAI); these strains are naturally resistant to ampicillin, carbenicillin and ticarcillin because of production of a chromosomal penicillinase, sulfhydryl variable (SHV-1). The global rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) K.p strains represent an increasing threat to human health with a high mortality rate.…”

Nanobiotics against antimicrobial resistance: harnessing the power of nanoscale materials and technologies

“…), skin and soft tissues, endocarditis UTIs and otitis media. Biofilms account for 65-80% of bacterial infections [37]. A biofilm can be described as sessile microbial community composed of one or more species that colonize and irreversibly attach on a surface or to each other encased in an extracellular matrix This extracellular matrix is composed of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that include proteins, carbohydrates, glycoproteins, glycolipids, and nucleic acids from biofilm forming bacteria as well as the host [38].…”

Analysis of the Metabolic Response of Planktonic Cells and Biofilms of Klebsiella pneumoniae to Sublethal Disinfection with Sodium Hypochlorite Measured by NMR

“…The transition from the planktonic to the biofilm state involves the interaction of several proteins and regulatory systems, such as 3′,5′-cyclic diguanylic acid (c-di-GMP), two-component signaling systems (TCS), the RcsCDB regulator, and quorum sensing (QS) [ 9 ]. Other factors contributing to K. pneumoniae biofilm formation include, among others, the presence of a polysaccharide capsule, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), fimbriae, pili, iron metabolism, and the presence of other bacterial species [ 10 , 11 ].…”