Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Rapid Detection of Bacterial Pathogens Causing Lower Respiratory Tract Infections via Microfluidic-Chip-Based Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
06:11

Rapid Detection of Bacterial Pathogens Causing Lower Respiratory Tract Infections via Microfluidic-Chip-Based Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification

Published on: March 29, 2024

Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae: molecular evolution, diagnostic markers, and therapeutic

Tokeshwar Kumar Sahu1, Pravin Gadkari2, Jaishriram Rathored3,4

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, India.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|July 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKp) emerges from combined resistance and virulence traits. Early recognition and integrated diagnostics are crucial for managing this challenging pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKp) represents a significant public health threat, merging antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with high invasive potential.
  • This emergent pathotype arises from the interplay of resistance and virulence factors, often mediated by plasmids.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically review the emergence mechanisms of CR-hvKp.
  • To discuss the challenges in laboratory recognition and propose diagnostic strategies.
  • To outline therapeutic considerations and future research priorities for CR-hvKp.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current knowledge on CR-hvKp.
  • Analysis of genetic mechanisms underlying resistance and virulence.
  • Evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

  • CR-hvKp develops through plasmid acquisition by either hypervirulent or carbapenem-resistant strains, or via hybrid elements.
  • Laboratory identification is complex, requiring a combination of tests rather than single markers.
  • Effective treatment necessitates careful consideration of carbapenemase type, infection site, and patient factors.

Conclusions:

  • A tiered diagnostic approach integrating various methods is essential for accurate CR-hvKp identification.
  • Management requires a multifaceted strategy including antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance, and outcome-focused research.
  • Prioritizing early recognition and plasmid-aware surveillance is key to combating CR-hvKp.
Keywords:
CR-hvKpcarbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniaecarbapenemasegenomic surveillancehypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniaevirulence plasmid

Related Concept Videos

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Automated Microbial Diagnostics01:24

Automated Microbial Diagnostics

Automated diagnostic analyzers have transformed clinical microbiology by providing rapid and reliable methods for pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Among these systems, the Vitek 2 is widely used because it automates the traditionally labor-intensive processes of microbial identification (ID) and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), delivering standardized and timely results that are essential for effective patient care.Microbial Identification with ID CardsThe...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Development of Antibiotic Resistance01:30

Development of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...