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Genetic and Functional Characterization of a Conjugative KpVP-2-Type Virulence Plasmid From a Clinical Klebsiella

Xuemei Yang1, Xiaoxuan Liu1, Yating Xu1

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

Frontiers in Microbiology
|August 8, 2022
PubMed

Insights

A new type of transferable Klebsiella pneumoniae virulence plasmid (KpVP-2) has emerged, facilitating bacterial hypervirulence and global spread. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of these critical virulence factors.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Klebsiella pneumoniae virulence relies on virulence plasmids (KpVPs), with KpVP-1 and KpVP-2 being dominant types.
  • KpVPs are typically non-conjugative and linked to specific hypervirulent strains.
  • KpVP-2, unlike KpVP-1, is less characterized and primarily found in K2 strains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a novel conjugative KpVP-2-type virulence plasmid.
  • To investigate the plasmid's ability to mediate hypervirulence and its transmission potential.
  • To understand the implications of conjugative virulence plasmids in K. pneumoniae evolution and spread.

Main Methods:

  • Identification of a conjugative KpVP-2-type plasmid from a clinical hypervirulent K. pneumoniae isolate.
  • Characterization of the plasmid's genetic makeup, including integrated conjugative transfer genes.
  • Experimental conjugation assays using Escherichia coli and various K. pneumoniae strains.
  • Assessment of the plasmid's role in mediating hypervirulence.

Main Results:

  • A conjugative KpVP-2-type virulence plasmid was successfully identified and isolated.
  • This plasmid, derived from KpVP-2-type plasmid Kp52.145 II, acquired conjugative transfer genes.
  • The plasmid was efficiently transferred to diverse E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains, conferring hypervirulence.
  • Evidence suggests the dissemination of this conjugative KpVP-2-type plasmid in clinical settings globally.

Conclusions:

  • The emergence of conjugative KpVP-2-type virulence plasmids represents a significant evolutionary step.
  • Acquisition of conjugative ability enhances plasmid transmission, potentially driving K. pneumoniae hypervirulence and spread.
  • This finding has critical implications for understanding and combating K. pneumoniae infections worldwide.
Keywords:
Klebsiella pneumoniaeKlebsiella pneumoniae virulence plasmids type 2 (KpVP-2)conjugative plasmidmobile genetic elementvirulence

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