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Correlation between Klebsiella pneumoniae carrying pLVPK-derived loci and abscess formation

H-L Tang1, M-K Chiang, W-J Liou

  • 1Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, No. 250, Guoguang Road, Taichung 402, Taiwan, Republic of China.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|April 13, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The plasmid pLVPK significantly enhances Klebsiella pneumoniae virulence, promoting liver abscess formation. Specific pLVPK-derived genes are key risk factors for developing abscesses in patients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Pathogenesis Research

Background:

  • Klebsiella pneumoniae-caused liver abscess (KLA) is an emerging infectious disease.
  • Factors beyond K1-specific loci contributing to KLA pathogenesis remain largely unidentified.
  • The pLVPK plasmid from K. pneumoniae CG43, an invasive K2 strain, is associated with KLA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the role of the pLVPK plasmid in Klebsiella pneumoniae virulence.
  • To assess the clinical significance of pLVPK in abscess formation.
  • To identify specific pLVPK-derived genetic loci associated with abscess development.

Main Methods:

  • A pLVPK-cured K. pneumoniae strain was generated and its virulence assessed in a mouse model.
  • Prevalence of pLVPK-derived loci (terW, iutA, rmpA, silS, repA) was investigated in 207 clinical isolates using specific primers.
  • Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the risk factors for abscess formation.

Main Results:

  • Loss of pLVPK abolished K. pneumoniae's ability to disseminate to extraintestinal sites and attenuated abscess formation in mice.
  • Primary K. pneumoniae abscess isolates were significantly more likely to possess the terW-iutA-rmpA-silS loci compared to non-abscess isolates (62% vs. 27%).
  • The presence of the terW-rmpA-iutA-silS loci was identified as a significant risk factor for abscess formation (OR, 4.12).

Conclusions:

  • The pLVPK plasmid is a critical determinant of Klebsiella pneumoniae virulence.
  • Specific pLVPK-derived loci (terW, iutA, rmpA, silS) are strongly associated with KLA pathogenesis.
  • Infection with K. pneumoniae strains carrying these pLVPK loci may predispose individuals to liver abscess formation.

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