Molecular dissection of the evolution of carbapenem-resistant multilocus sequence type 258 <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>

Abstract

Significance Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae has emerged globally as a multidrug-resistant hospital pathogen for which there are few treatment options. Clinical isolates classified by multilocus sequence typing (ST) as ST258 are the most widespread. The basis for the success of ST258 organisms above and beyond antibiotic resistance is not known, nor is it clear whether infections are caused by a single clone. We used genome sequencing to reveal unexpected genetic diversity among ST258 organisms (thus disproving the single-clone hypothesis) and identified a recombination hotspot that accounts for the majority of divergence—and presumably for serologic variation—among ST258 clinical isolates. Our findings will facilitate the development of new clinical strategies designed to prevent or treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae .

Keywords

Affiliated Institutions

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases US
• Case Western Reserve University US
• Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey US
• Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center US
• Houston Methodist US
• National Institutes of Health US

Related Publications