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Phenotypic Changes in Phage Survivors of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

Pallavi Bhat Ajakkala1, Srajana Nayak1, Biswajit Maiti1

  • 1NITTE (Deemed to Be University), NITTE University Centre for Science Education and Research, Mangaluru, 575018 Karnataka India.

Indian Journal of Microbiology
|September 16, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Developing phage-resistant bacteria, this study found that survivors of bacteriophage exposure exhibited reduced growth and biofilm formation. These multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates also showed altered antibiotic sensitivity and outer membrane protein expression.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacteriology
  • Phage Therapy

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-KP) infections pose a significant global healthcare challenge.
  • Bacteriophage therapy presents a promising alternative for combating bacterial infections.
  • The emergence of phage-resistant bacteria is a critical hurdle in the application of phage therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the phenotypic characteristics of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates that develop resistance to bacteriophages.
  • To understand the mechanisms underlying phage resistance in MDR-KP.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of bacteriophages effective against MDR-KP from environmental samples (water and soil).
  • Generation of phage-resistant MDR-KP survivors by exposing susceptible hosts to phages.
  • Analysis of phenotypic changes in resistant survivors, including growth rate, biofilm formation, antibiotic susceptibility, and outer membrane protein (OMP) profiling.

Main Results:

  • Phage-resistant survivors (ØKp11 and ØKp26) exhibited significantly reduced growth rates compared to the parent isolate (MDR-KP002).
  • Biofilm formation ability was diminished in phage-resistant MDR-KP isolates.
  • Altered antibiotic sensitivity patterns and reduced outer membrane protein expression were observed in the phage-resistant survivors.

Conclusions:

  • The development of phage resistance in MDR-KP is associated with significant phenotypic alterations.
  • Changes in the bacterial envelope, including OMPs expression, contribute to phenotypic phage resistance.
  • Understanding these alterations is crucial for optimizing phage therapy strategies against MDR-KP infections.
Keywords:
BacteriophageMulti-drug resistanceOuter membrane proteinsPhage resistant bacteria

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