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Characterization and Diversity of Klebsiella pneumoniae Prophages

Fuqiang Kang1, Zili Chai1, Beiping Li1

  • 1Laboratory of Advanced Biotechnology & State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 10, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Prophages are widespread in Klebsiella pneumoniae genomes, carrying virulence and resistance genes. Their presence influences strain characteristics and suggests distinct evolutionary paths on chromosomes versus plasmids.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant opportunistic pathogen with increasing resistance rates.
  • Mobile genetic elements, particularly prophages, play a crucial role in bacterial evolution and virulence.
  • Understanding prophage-host interactions is vital for combating antibiotic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize prophages within Klebsiella pneumoniae genomes.
  • To investigate the distribution and diversity of prophages in K. pneumoniae.
  • To explore the potential impact of prophages on K. pneumoniae virulence and antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis of 1437 fully assembled K. pneumoniae genomes from the NCBI database.
  • Identification and quantification of prophages integrated into chromosomes and plasmids.
  • Comparative analysis of prophage and genomic DNA (GC content) to infer evolutionary origins.

Main Results:

  • 15,946 prophages were identified across 1437 K. pneumoniae genomes (9755 on chromosomes, 6191 on plasmids).
  • Prophages were diverse and widely distributed, encoding putative virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes.
  • Prophage presence and type correlated with K. pneumoniae strain types, and GC content differences indicated alien origins and distinct evolutionary trajectories for chromosomal vs. plasmid prophages.

Conclusions:

  • Prophages are highly prevalent in K. pneumoniae, significantly impacting its genome.
  • Prophages contribute to K. pneumoniae's virulence and antibiotic resistance.
  • Prophage characteristics suggest they are acquired mobile elements with differing evolutionary histories on chromosomes and plasmids.
Keywords:
GC contentKlebsiella pneumoniaeantimicrobial resistanceprophagevirulence factor

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