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Nonne F, Molfetta M, Nappini R, La Guidara C, Di Benedetto R, Mfana S, Bellich B, Raso MM, Gasperini G, Alfini R, Cescutti P, Berlanda Scorza F, Ravenscroft N, Micoli F, Giannelli C. Development and Application of a High-Throughput Method for the Purification and Analysis of Surface Carbohydrates from Klebsiella pneumoniae. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:256. [PMID: 38666868 PMCID: PMC11048683 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is a Gram-negative bacterium, and a leading cause of neonatal sepsis in low- and middle-income countries, often associated with anti-microbial resistance. Two types of polysaccharides are expressed on the Kp cell surface and have been proposed as key antigens for vaccine design: capsular polysaccharides (known as K-antigens, K-Ags) and O-antigens (O-Ags). Historically, Kp has been classified using capsule serotyping and although 186 distinct genotypes have been predicted so far based on sequence analysis, many structures are still unknown. In contrast, only 11 distinct OAg serotypes have been described. The characterization of emerging strains requires the development of a high-throughput purification method to obtain sufficient K- and O-Ag material to characterize the large collection of serotypes and gain insight on structural features and potential cross-reactivity that could allow vaccine simplification. Here, this was achieved by adapting our established method for the simple purification of O-Ags, using mild acetic acid hydrolysis performed directly on bacterial cells, followed by filtration and precipitation steps. The method was successfully applied to purify the surface carbohydrates from different Kp strains, thereby demonstrating the robustness and general applicability of the purification method developed. Further, antigen characterization showed that the purification method had no impact on the structural integrity of the polysaccharides and preserved labile substituents such as O-acetyl and pyruvyl groups. This method can be further optimized for scaling up and manufacturing to support the development of high-valency saccharide-based vaccines against Kp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Nonne
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (R.N.); (C.L.G.); (R.D.B.); (M.M.R.); (R.A.); (F.B.S.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Mariagrazia Molfetta
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (R.N.); (C.L.G.); (R.D.B.); (M.M.R.); (R.A.); (F.B.S.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Rebecca Nappini
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (R.N.); (C.L.G.); (R.D.B.); (M.M.R.); (R.A.); (F.B.S.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Chiara La Guidara
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (R.N.); (C.L.G.); (R.D.B.); (M.M.R.); (R.A.); (F.B.S.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Roberta Di Benedetto
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (R.N.); (C.L.G.); (R.D.B.); (M.M.R.); (R.A.); (F.B.S.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Siwaphiwe Mfana
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (S.M.); (N.R.)
| | - Barbara Bellich
- Department of Advanced Translational Diagnostics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Maria Michelina Raso
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (R.N.); (C.L.G.); (R.D.B.); (M.M.R.); (R.A.); (F.B.S.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | | | - Renzo Alfini
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (R.N.); (C.L.G.); (R.D.B.); (M.M.R.); (R.A.); (F.B.S.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Paola Cescutti
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Francesco Berlanda Scorza
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (R.N.); (C.L.G.); (R.D.B.); (M.M.R.); (R.A.); (F.B.S.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Neil Ravenscroft
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (S.M.); (N.R.)
| | - Francesca Micoli
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (R.N.); (C.L.G.); (R.D.B.); (M.M.R.); (R.A.); (F.B.S.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Carlo Giannelli
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (R.N.); (C.L.G.); (R.D.B.); (M.M.R.); (R.A.); (F.B.S.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
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2
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Hu F, Pan Y, Li H, Han R, Liu X, Ma R, Wu Y, Lun H, Qin X, Li J, Wang A, Zhou M, Liu B, Zhou Z, He P. Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae capsular types, antibiotic resistance and virulence factors in China: a longitudinal, multi-centre study. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:814-829. [PMID: 38424289 PMCID: PMC10914598 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01612-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological knowledge of circulating carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is needed to develop effective strategies against this public health threat. Here we present a longitudinal analysis of 1,017 CRKP isolates recovered from patients from 40 hospitals across China between 2016 and 2020. Virulence gene and capsule typing revealed expansion of CRKP capsule type KL64 (59.5%) alongside decreases in KL47 prevalence. Hypervirulent CRKP increased in prevalence from 28.2% in 2016 to 45.7% in 2020. Phylogenetic and spatiotemporal analysis revealed Beijing and Shanghai as transmission hubs accounting for differential geographical prevalence of KL47 and KL64 strains across China. Moderate frequency capsule or O-antigen loss was also detected among isolates. Non-capsular CRKP were more susceptible to phagocytosis, attenuated during mouse infections, but showed increased serum resistance and biofilm formation. These findings give insight into CRKP serotype prevalence and dynamics, revealing the importance of monitoring serotype shifts for the future development of immunological strategies against CRKP infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fupin Hu
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqing Pan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Heng Li
- Key Laboratory of Alkene-carbon Fibers-based Technology & Application for Detection of Major Infectious Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Pasteurien College, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Renru Han
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Alkene-carbon Fibers-based Technology & Application for Detection of Major Infectious Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Pasteurien College, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ruijing Ma
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqin Wu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Heyuan Lun
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Qin
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayin Li
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Aixi Wang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhemin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Alkene-carbon Fibers-based Technology & Application for Detection of Major Infectious Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Pasteurien College, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
| | - Ping He
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Artyszuk D, Jachymek W, Izdebski R, Gniadkowski M, Lukasiewicz J. The OL101 O antigen locus specifies a novel Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype O13 structure. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 326:121581. [PMID: 38142087 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the priority objects for the development of new therapies against infections. The species has been perceived as of limited variety of O antigens (11 O serotypes identified to date). That trait makes lipopolysaccharide an attractive target for protective antibodies. Nowadays, K. pneumoniae O antigens encoding genes are often analysed by bioinformatic tools, such as Kaptive, indicating higher actual diversity of the O antigen loci. One of the novel K. pneumoniae O loci for which the antigen structure has not been elucidated so far is OL101. In this study, four clinical isolates predicted as OL101 were characterized and found to have the O antigen structure composed of β-Kdop-[→3)-α-l-Rhap-(1→4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→]n, representing a novel serotype O13. Identification of the β-Kdop terminus was based on the analysis of the complete LPS molecule by the HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy. The bioinformatic analysis of 71,377 K. pneumoniae genomes from public databases (July 2023) revealed a notable OL101 prevalence of 6.55 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Artyszuk
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Microbial Immunochemistry and Vaccines, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Jachymek
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Microbial Immunochemistry and Vaccines, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Radosław Izdebski
- National Medicines Institute, Department of Molecular Microbiology, 00-725 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Gniadkowski
- National Medicines Institute, Department of Molecular Microbiology, 00-725 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jolanta Lukasiewicz
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Microbial Immunochemistry and Vaccines, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland.
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Wantuch PL, Rosen DA. Klebsiella pneumoniae: adaptive immune landscapes and vaccine horizons. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:826-844. [PMID: 37704549 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is among the most common antibiotic-resistant pathogens causing nosocomial infections. Additionally, it is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and childhood mortality across the globe. Despite its clinical importance, we are only beginning to understand how the mammalian adaptive immune system responds to this pathogen. Further, many studies investigating potential K. pneumoniae vaccine candidates or alternative therapies have been launched in recent years. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the adaptive immune response to K. pneumoniae infections and progress towards developing vaccines and other therapies to combat these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paeton L Wantuch
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David A Rosen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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5
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Kelly SD, Ovchinnikova OG, Müller F, Steffen M, Braun M, Sweeney RP, Kowarik M, Follador R, Lowary TL, Serventi F, Whitfield C. Identification of a second glycoform of the clinically prevalent O1 antigen from Klebsiella pneumoniae. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301302120. [PMID: 37428935 PMCID: PMC10629545 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301302120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbapenemase and extended β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates represent a major health threat, stimulating increasing interest in immunotherapeutic approaches for combating Klebsiella infections. Lipopolysaccharide O antigen polysaccharides offer viable targets for immunotherapeutic development, and several studies have described protection with O-specific antibodies in animal models of infection. O1 antigen is produced by almost half of clinical Klebsiella isolates. The O1 polysaccharide backbone structure is known, but monoclonal antibodies raised against the O1 antigen showed varying reactivity against different isolates that could not be explained by the known structure. Reinvestigation of the structure by NMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of the reported polysaccharide backbone (glycoform O1a), as well as a previously unknown O1b glycoform composed of the O1a backbone modified with a terminal pyruvate group. The activity of the responsible pyruvyltransferase (WbbZ) was confirmed by western immunoblotting and in vitro chemoenzymatic synthesis of the O1b terminus. Bioinformatic data indicate that almost all O1 isolates possess genes required to produce both glycoforms. We describe the presence of O1ab-biosynthesis genes in other bacterial species and report a functional O1 locus on a bacteriophage genome. Homologs of wbbZ are widespread in genetic loci for the assembly of unrelated glycostructures in bacteria and yeast. In K. pneumoniae, simultaneous production of both O1 glycoforms is enabled by the lack of specificity of the ABC transporter that exports the nascent glycan, and the data reported here provide mechanistic understanding of the capacity for evolution of antigenic diversity within an important class of biomolecules produced by many bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D. Kelly
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ONN1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Olga G. Ovchinnikova
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ONN1G 2W1, Canada
| | | | | | - Martin Braun
- LimmaTech Biologics AG, Schlieren8952, Switzerland
| | - Ryan P. Sweeney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, ABT6G 2G2, Canada
| | | | | | - Todd L. Lowary
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, ABT6G 2G2, Canada
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Nangang11529, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei10617, Taiwan
| | | | - Chris Whitfield
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ONN1G 2W1, Canada
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Dey S, Gaur M, Sykes EME, Prusty M, Elangovan S, Dixit S, Pati S, Kumar A, Subudhi E. Unravelling the Evolutionary Dynamics of High-Risk Klebsiella pneumoniae ST147 Clones: Insights from Comparative Pangenome Analysis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051037. [PMID: 37239397 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence and rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance in high-risk Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) ST147 clones is a global health concern and warrants molecular surveillance. METHODS A pangenome analysis was performed using publicly available ST147 complete genomes. The characteristics and evolutionary relationships among ST147 members were investigated through a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS The large number of accessory genes in the pangenome indicates genome plasticity and openness. Seventy-two antibiotic resistance genes were found to be linked with antibiotic inactivation, efflux, and target alteration. The exclusive detection of the blaOXA-232 gene within the ColKp3 plasmid of KP_SDL79 suggests its acquisition through horizontal gene transfer. The association of seventy-six virulence genes with the acrAB efflux pump, T6SS system and type I secretion system describes its pathogenicity. The presence of Tn6170, a putative Tn7-like transposon in KP_SDL79 with an insertion at the flanking region of the tnsB gene, establishes its transmission ability. The Bayesian phylogenetic analysis estimates ST147's initial divergence in 1951 and the most recent common ancestor for the entire KP population in 1621. CONCLUSIONS Present study highlights the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of high-risk clones of K. pneumoniae. Further inter-clonal diversity studies will help us understand its outbreak more precisely and pave the way for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchanda Dey
- Centre for Biotechnology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar 751003, India
| | - Mahendra Gaur
- Centre for Biotechnology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar 751003, India
| | - Ellen M E Sykes
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T2N2, Canada
| | - Monica Prusty
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
| | - Selvakumar Elangovan
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
| | - Sangita Dixit
- Centre for Biotechnology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar 751003, India
| | | | - Ayush Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T2N2, Canada
| | - Enketeswara Subudhi
- Centre for Biotechnology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar 751003, India
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Bongiorno D, Bivona DA, Cicino C, Trecarichi EM, Russo A, Marascio N, Mezzatesta ML, Musso N, Privitera GF, Quirino A, Scarlata GGM, Matera G, Torti C, Stefani S. Omic insights into various ceftazidime-avibactam-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from two southern Italian regions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 12:1010979. [PMID: 36683697 PMCID: PMC9851273 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1010979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) is one of the best therapeutic options available for infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing bacteria. However, sporadic reports of CZA-resistant strains have been rapidly increasing in patients. Herein, we provide detailed case reports of the emergence of ceftazidime-avibactam resistance to identify their resistome and virulome using genomic molecular approaches. Sixteen isolates were collected from 13 patients at three hospitals in Catania and Catanzaro (Italy) between 2020-2021. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by broth microdiluition. The samples included in study were analyzed for resistome, virulome and Sequence Type (ST) using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). All strains were resistant to ceftazidime/avibactam, ciprofloxacin, extended-spectrum cephalosporins and aztreonam, 13/16 to meropenem, 8/16 to colistin and 7/16 to fosfomycin; 15/16 were susceptible to meropenem/vaborbactam; all strains were susceptible to cefiderocol. Molecular analysis showed circulation of three major clones: ST101, ST307 and ST512. In 10/16 strains, we found a bla KPC-3 gene; in 6/16 strains, four different bla KPC variants (bla KPC28-31-34-50) were detected. A plethora of other beta-lactam genes (bla SHV28-45-55-100-106-187-205-212, bla OXA1-9-48, bla TEM-181 and bla CTX-M-15) was observed; bla OXA-9 was found in ST307 and ST512, instead bla OXA48 in one out four ST101 strains. With regard to membrane permeability, ompK35 and ompK36 harbored frameshift mutations in 15/16 strains; analysis of ompK37 gene revealed that all strains harbored a non-functional protein and carry wild-type PBP3. There is an urgent need to characterize the mechanisms underlying carbapenem resistance and the intrinsic bacterial factors that facilitate the rapid emergence of resistance. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly important to explore feasible methods for accurate detection of different KPC enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafne Bongiorno
- Microbiology Section, Dept of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy,*Correspondence: Dafne Bongiorno,
| | - Dalida A. Bivona
- Microbiology Section, Dept of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Cicino
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Enrico M. Trecarichi
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Russo
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nadia Marascio
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Lina Mezzatesta
- Microbiology Section, Dept of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Microbiology Section, Dept of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy,Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Laboratory Analysis, University Hospital Policlinico-San Marco, Catania, Italy
| | - Grete F. Privitera
- Microbiology Section, Dept of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Quirino
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe G. M. Scarlata
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Matera
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carlo Torti
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefania Stefani
- Microbiology Section, Dept of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy,Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Laboratory Analysis, University Hospital Policlinico-San Marco, Catania, Italy
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8
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He J, Shi Q, Chen Z, Zhang W, Lan P, Xu Q, Hu H, Chen Q, Fan J, Jiang Y, Loh B, Leptihn S, Zou Q, Zhang J, Yu Y, Hua X. Opposite evolution of pathogenicity driven by in vivo wzc and wcaJ mutations in ST11-KL64 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 66:100891. [PMID: 36427451 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the in vivo evolution of the mucoid-phenotype of ST11-KL64 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) isolated from the same patients and gain insights into diverse evolution and biology of these strains. METHODS Whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were used to determine the mutation involved in the mucoid phenotype of ST11-KL64 CRKP. Gene knockout, bacterial morphology and capsular polysaccharides (CPS) extraction were used to verify the role of wzc and wcaJ in the mucoid phenotypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility, growth assay, biofilm formation, host cell adhesion and virulence assay were used to investigate the pleiotropic role of CPS changes in ST11-KL64 CRKP strains. RESULTS Mutation of wzc S682N led to hypermucoid phenotype, which had negative impact on bacterial fitness and resulted in reduced biofilm formation and epithelial cell adhesion; while enhanced resistance to macrophage phagocytosis and virulence. Mutations of wcaJ gene led to non-mucoid phenotype with increased biofilm formation and epithelial cell adhesion, but reduced resistance of macrophage phagocytosis and virulence. Using virulence gene knockout, we demonstrated that CPS, rather than the pLVPK-like virulence plasmid, has a greater effect on mucoid phenotypic changes. CPS could be used as a surrogate marker of virulence in ST11-KL64 CRKP strains. CONCLUSIONS ST11-KL64 CRKP strains sacrifice certain advantages to develop pathogenicity by changing CPS with two opposite in vivo evolution strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintao He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiucheng Shi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhifu Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wang Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peng Lan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingye Xu
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huangdu Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianzhong Fan
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Belinda Loh
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstr. 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Leptihn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh (ZJU-UoE) Institute, Zhejiang University, International Campus, Haining, Zhejiang, China
| | - Quanming Zou
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinyong Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yunsong Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoting Hua
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Kaszowska M, Majkowska-Skrobek G, Markwitz P, Lood C, Jachymek W, Maciejewska A, Lukasiewicz J, Drulis-Kawa Z. The Mutation in wbaP cps Gene Cluster Selected by Phage-Borne Depolymerase Abolishes Capsule Production and Diminishes the Virulence of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11562. [PMID: 34768992 PMCID: PMC8583740 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is considered one of the most critical multidrug-resistant pathogens and urgently requires new therapeutic strategies. Capsular polysaccharides (CPS), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and exopolysaccharides (EPS) are the major virulence factors protecting K. pneumoniae against the immune response and thus may be targeted by phage-based therapeutics such as polysaccharides-degrading enzymes. Since the emergence of resistance to antibacterials is generally considered undesirable, in this study, the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of resistance to the phage-borne CPS-degrading depolymerase and its effect on K. pneumoniae virulence were investigated. The K63 serotype targeting depolymerase (KP36gp50) derived from Klebsiella siphovirus KP36 was used as the selective agent during the treatment of K. pneumoniae 486 biofilm. Genome-driven examination combined with the surface polysaccharide structural analysis of resistant mutant showed the point mutation and frameshift in the wbaP gene located within the cps gene cluster, resulting in the loss of the capsule. The sharp decline in the yield of CPS was accompanied by the production of a larger amount of smooth LPS. The modification of the surface polysaccharide layers did not affect bacterial fitness nor the insensitivity to serum complement; however, it made bacteria more prone to phagocytosis combined with the higher adherence and internalization to human lung epithelial cells. In that context, it was showed that the emerging resistance to the antivirulence agent (phage-borne capsule depolymerase) results in beneficial consequences, i.e., the sensitization to the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Kaszowska
- Laboratory of Microbial Immunochemistry and Vaccines, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.K.); (W.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Grazyna Majkowska-Skrobek
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wroclaw, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland; (G.M.-S.); (P.M.)
| | - Pawel Markwitz
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wroclaw, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland; (G.M.-S.); (P.M.)
| | - Cédric Lood
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium;
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wojciech Jachymek
- Laboratory of Microbial Immunochemistry and Vaccines, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.K.); (W.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Anna Maciejewska
- Laboratory of Microbial Immunochemistry and Vaccines, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.K.); (W.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Jolanta Lukasiewicz
- Laboratory of Microbial Immunochemistry and Vaccines, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.K.); (W.J.); (A.M.)
| | - Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wroclaw, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland; (G.M.-S.); (P.M.)
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