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Klebsiella species: Taxonomy, hypervirulence and multidrug resistance

Ning Dong1, Xuemei Yang1, Edward Wai-Chi Chan2

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.

Ebiomedicine
|April 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent (MDR-hv) Klebsiella strains are emerging, causing severe infections. This review details their evolution, genetic drivers, and global spread, impacting human health.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Klebsiella species have evolved rapidly, developing multidrug resistance and hypervirulence (MDR-hv) phenotypes.
  • These MDR-hv strains are linked to severe hospital- and community-acquired infections, with carbapenem resistance posing a significant treatment challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of MDR-hv Klebsiella spp.
  • To describe their taxonomic position, species composition, phylotypes, and global distribution.
  • To elucidate the genetic factors driving their evolution and impact on human health.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on Klebsiella spp. evolution.
  • Analysis of molecular features and mobile resistance elements in MDR-hv strains.
  • Examination of genetic loci responsible for transmission, inheritance, and expression of resistance and virulence.

Main Results:

  • Identification of diverse MDR-hv Klebsiella clones with worldwide distribution.
  • Elucidation of genetic mutations and horizontal gene transfer events driving clone evolution.
  • Understanding of the molecular basis for the MDR-hv phenotypes.

Conclusions:

  • MDR-hv Klebsiella spp. represent a growing threat due to their rapid evolution and association with severe infections.
  • Understanding the genetic underpinnings of these strains is crucial for developing effective treatment and control strategies.
  • The review highlights the potential impact of these evolving pathogens on public health.
Keywords:
ConvergenceEvolutionHypervirulenceKlebsiella spp.Multidrug resistanceTaxonomy

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