Monitoring MDR Evolution and Transmission Dynamics of MDR Klebsiella Pneumonia

Abstract

A Gram-negative, non-motile, capsuled, lactose fermenting, facultatively anaerobic, rod shaped bacteria called Klebsiella pneumoniae. On MacConkey agar, it manifests as a mucoid lactose fermenter. Although it is a natural component of the flora in the mouth, skin, and intestines [1], it can harm the lungs of both humans and animals if aspirated (inhaled), notably the alveoli (in the lungs), resulting in bloody sputum. It is the most important member of the Enterobacteriaceae family’s Klebsiella genus when used in a therapeutic setting. Clinical samples from humans have also shown the presence of K. oxytoca and K. rhinoscleromatis. Klebsiella species have recently emerged as significant nosocomial infection pathogens. About 30% of the strains can fix nitrogen under anaerobic conditions, and they are found in soil where it naturally occurs [2]. As a free-living diazotroph, K. pneumoniae’s nitrogen fixation mechanism has undergone extensive research and is of agricultural importance because it has been shown to boost crop yields in agricultural settings [3]. On their cell surfaces, members of the Klebsiella genus normally express two different types of antigens. The Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which comes in nine different types, contains the first antigen, called O antigen. The second is K antigen, an over 80 variety capsular polysaccharide [4]. Both support serogrouping and contribute to pathogenicity. It has a close relationship to K. oxytoca, which it differs from in that it is indole-negative and can grow on melezitose but not 3-hydroxybutyrate.