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Plasmid transferability of KPC into a virulent K2 serotype Klebsiella pneumoniae

Leung-Kei Kristopher Siu, David B Huang1, Tom Chiang

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA. dhuang82@hotmail.com.

BMC Infectious Diseases
|April 1, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) can transfer its KPC genes to virulent strains, increasing antibiotic resistance. This study shows these KPC-CRKP strains maintain high virulence and lethality, posing a significant public health threat.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • KPC-producing carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections are a major cause of mortality.
  • The specific virulence factors contributing to CRKP pathogenicity are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the virulence and plasmid transferability of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae isolates.
  • To determine if KPC genes can be transferred to virulent K. pneumoniae strains and if these transconjugants retain virulence.

Main Methods:

  • Conjugation experiments were performed to transfer KPC-2 and KPC-3 genes into a virulent K2 K. pneumoniae recipient.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted on donor strains, recipient isolate, and transconjugants.
  • Murine lethality models and serum resistance assays were used to assess virulence.

Main Results:

  • KPC-2 and KPC-3 genes were successfully transferred and maintained by the virulent K2 K. pneumoniae isolate.
  • Transconjugants acquired resistance to all beta-lactams, in addition to existing resistance profiles.
  • The KPC-harboring K2 K. pneumoniae transconjugants retained high serum resistance and lethality in a murine model.

Conclusions:

  • The study demonstrates successful conjugation and retention of KPC genes by virulent K. pneumoniae.
  • Transconjugants maintained high virulence, including serum resistance and murine lethality, after KPC gene acquisition.
  • These findings highlight the concerning potential for KPC genes to disseminate among virulent K. pneumoniae strains, exacerbating antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity.

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