Genomic features of resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumonia</i>, isolated from the bloodstream and cerebrospinal fluid of pediatric hospital patients

Abstract

Introduction. Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CP-Kp), which are international high-risk clones, have become a problem of utmost importance. CP-Kps, adapting to the hospital environment, evolve into convergent pathotypes. Such variants combine traits of two genetic lineages: multidrug resistant (MDR) and hypervirulent. The pathotypes, along with MDR K. pneumoniae, pose an exceptional threat to young patients during systemic infection.
 The objective of this study is the detailed molecular genetic analysis of MDR isolates of K. pneumoniae detected during the monitoring of resistant Gram-negative bacteria at the National Medical Research Center for Children’s Health in 2014–2021.
 Materials and methods. Whole-genome sequencing with a subsequent bioinformatics analysis of eight MDR isolates from the bloodstream and cerebrospinal fluid.
 Results. MDR isolates belonged to 4 sublineages (SL): SL307, SL395, SL29 and SL1198. In the genomes of 6 pangrug-resistant (PDR) isolates, genes associated with resistance to all categories of antibiotics recommended for Enterobacteriaceae therapy were identified. Plasmids were present in all genomes. In 6 isolates, plasmids contained heavy metal ion resistance operons in addition to antibiotic resistance genes. Prophages within the plasmids were also involved in the transfer of resistance genes. The ST395 isolate from the cerebrospinal fluid belonged to the convergent pathotype in terms of resistance and virulence. Comparison of genomes within SLs revealed recombination events in the K- and O-locus regions and the Yersiniabactin operon.
 Conclusion. Thus, in a sample of resistant K. pneumoniae isolated from bloodstream and cerebrospinal fluid, 6 PDR isolates were detected, one of which belongs to the convergent pathotype ST395.