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Whole-Genome Sequencing of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Human
Carolina Sabença1,2,3,4, Rani Rivière5, Eliana Costa6
1MicroART-Antibiotic Resistance Team, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
Abstract:
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative bacterium commonly associated with bloodstream infections (BSIs), which can lead to severe clinical outcomes, especially in immunocompromised individuals or patients with underlying health conditions. The increasing prevalence of K. pneumoniae that produces extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) poses a significant challenge for treatment and infection control, necessitating a swift diagnostic approach and tailored antimicrobial therapy to improve patient outcomes. A total of 32 K. pneumoniae isolates were recovered from BSIs from December 2021 to August 2022. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on the 14 ESBL-producing isolates. All ESBL isolates carried the blaCTX-M-15 gene, together with other β-lactamase-encoding genes (blaTEM-1, blaSHV-28, blaSHV-26, or blaOXA-1). Three of the isolates also carried the blaKPC-3 gene. Resistance genes to quinolones, sulfonamides, tetracycline, aminoglycosides, and chloramphenicol were also detected. We can conclude that the presence of ESBL-producing isolates among K. pneumoniae of BSIs raises concerns, since these enzymes limit the available treatment options, and future research must include studies on alternative therapies for dealing with resistant bacterial infections and developing new approaches to disease treatment.
Insights
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a growing concern. These resistant bacteria limit treatment options, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major cause of bloodstream infections (BSIs).
- The rise of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing K. pneumoniae complicates treatment and infection control.
- Immunocompromised individuals and those with underlying conditions are at higher risk for severe outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the genetic makeup of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates from BSIs.
- To identify antimicrobial resistance genes present in these isolates.
- To inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for K. pneumoniae BSIs.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 32 K. pneumoniae isolates from BSIs between December 2021 and August 2022.
- Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 14 ESBL-producing isolates.
- Detection of beta-lactamase and other antimicrobial resistance genes.
Main Results:
- All 14 ESBL isolates harbored the blaCTX-M-15 gene, along with other beta-lactamase genes (blaTEM-1, blaSHV-28, blaSHV-26, or blaOXA-1).
- Three isolates also carried the blaKPC-3 gene, indicating carbapenemase production.
- Resistance genes for quinolones, sulfonamides, tetracycline, aminoglycosides, and chloramphenicol were prevalent.
Conclusions:
- ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae in BSIs pose a significant public health threat due to limited treatment options.
- Urgent need for rapid diagnostics and effective antimicrobial therapies.
- Future research should focus on alternative treatments for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
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