Abstract: Currently, one of the most serious threats to public health is the rapid spread of multidrug–resistant (MDR) and highly virulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp). In these strains, various antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are frequently detected, including several novel ones first identified in this bacterial species, such as carbapenemases of the KPC, NDM–1, and OXA–48 types. The widespread prevalence of environmental ARGs, which can be transferred between microbiota, particularly among clinical pathogens and human commensals, has significantly contributed to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in K. pneumoniae. Resistance is caused by mechanisms such as drug inactivation, increased efflux, or altered binding to target sites. Moreover, this resistance is further enhanced by the production of various beta-lactamases, mainly extended–spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), or by biofilm formation. Particularly concerning in K. pneumoniae, the main species representing the carbapenemase–producing Enterobacterales (CPE) group, is the emergence of plasmid–mediated resistance to carbapenems and polymyxins, which are considered “last–resort drugs” for treating infections caused by these pathogenic microorganisms. The growing resistance of K. pneumoniae to antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents remains one of the most important problems in epidemiological surveillance, microbiological diagnostics, and the global treatment of infections. The high mortality rate among infected patients and the difficulty in treating infections caused by MDR K. pneumoniae have led to this bacterium being classified as one of the most common and dangerous human pathogens in both Polish and global healthcare. This article characterizes the factors determining antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae, both in terms of biochemical mechanisms and molecular features. In addition, the current epidemiological situation regarding the spread of invasive, resistant K. pneumoniae isolates in Europe and Poland is described, and treatment regimens for infections caused by these high–alert pathogens are presented.
Browsing tag: Klebsiella pneumoniae
Abstract: Gram-negative bacilli Klebsiella pneumoniae are among the most important pathogens responsible for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). These bacteria often have high pathogenic and epidemic potential, contributing to infection outbreaks worldwide. K. pneumoniae is part of the natural microbiota of humans. At the same time, as an opportunistic microorganism, when the host organism is weakened, it can cause serious infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, septic infections and intra-organ abscesses. Widespread distribution in nature and exceptional adaptability provide K. pneumoniae with the opportunity to master new niches in the hospital environment, which poses a threat to hospitalized patients. Also, the bacteria are increasingly causing life-threatening infections in the non-hospital environment. The pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae is determined by the presence of many virulence factors such as capsular polysaccharide (CPS, K antigen), lipopolysaccharid (LPS, O antigen), fimbrial and non-fimbrial adhesins, siderophores (aerobactin, enterobactin, salmochelin and yersiniabactin), heat-stabile and heat-labile enterotoxins, cytotoxins and biofilm-forming ability. Currently, hypervirulent strains of K. pneumoniae (hvKp) equipped with new virulence traits constitute a significant danger. The paper presents these bacteria concerning the global threat arising from the dynamic spread of hvKp strains in hospitals in Poland and worldwide.

