Article
Microbiology
Tamal Dey, Ardhendu Chakrabortty, Aastha Kapoor, Anuja Warrier, Vijaya Lakshmi Nag, Karthikeyan Sivashanmugam, Manoharan Shankar
Summary: Classical and hypervirulent strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae can cause different types of infections. The strain P34 isolated in India shows hypermucoviscosity but lacks known determinants of hypermucoviscosity, suggesting the presence of novel genetic factors.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Xuemei Yang, Xiaoxuan Liu, Edward Wai-Chi Chan, Rong Zhang, Sheng Chen
Summary: Klebsiella pneumoniae has become a major bacterial pathogen in hospitals, with a high mortality rate. Factors contributing to its virulence are the overproduction of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) and the hypermucoviscosity (HMV) phenotype. This study investigated the functional characteristics of plasmid-borne rmp homologues in clinical hypervirulent K. pneumoniae strains. The results showed that the rmp homologues play a key role in regulating the HMV phenotype and CPS production in K. pneumoniae.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Binzhi Dan, Heping Dai, Dangui Zhou, Hongfang Tong, Mei Zhu
Summary: The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiology of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and explore its drug resistance, ESBLs gene, virulence factor, capsular serotype, and biofilm formation. K. pneumoniae strains were isolated from clinical samples and identified using VITEK2 Compact. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using microbroth dilution test, while ESBLs production and carbapenemase production were detected using specific methods. PCR was used to detect ESBLs genes, virulence factors, and capsular serotypes. Crystal violet staining was used to assess biofilm formation. The study found that ESBLs genes blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M were detected in the K. pneumoniae strains, and multiple ESBLs genes were present in most strains. The virulence genes fimH, ybtS, entB, rmpA, aerobactin, allS, and kfu were also commonly found. It was observed that a significant correlation existed between ESBLs-producing strains and biofilm formation. In conclusion, classical K. pneumoniae has a propensity to acquire antibiotic resistance compared to hypervirulent strains. Moreover, genes encoding rmpA, K1 or K2, and kfu were highly associated with hypervirulent K. pneumoniae.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
X. Renee Bina, Yuding Weng, James Budnick, Mia E. Van Allen, James E. Bina
Summary: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a dangerous bacterium that causes various human diseases and has become a global health threat due to its antibiotic resistance. In this study, the function of the TolC protein in K. pneumoniae was investigated. The findings reveal that TolC plays a pleiotropic role in K. pneumoniae pathobiology, influencing antimicrobial resistance, capsule production, iron homeostasis, adherence to host cells, and virulence. Understanding the multifaceted role of TolC may guide the development of new therapeutic strategies against K. pneumoniae.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Laura A. Mike, Andrew J. Stark, Valerie S. Forsyth, Jay Vornhagen, Sara N. Smith, Michael A. Bachman, Harry L. T. Mobley
Summary: The study identifies a close relationship between capsule biosynthesis and hypermucoviscosity in Klebsiella pneumoniae, with central metabolism playing a key regulatory role. Certain metabolic genes specifically impact only one of these properties, with genes related to the TCA cycle playing a significant role.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cheng-Yen Kao, Yen-Zhen Zhang, Carl Jay Ballena Bregente, Pei-Yun Kuo, Pek Kee Chen, Jo-Yen Chao, Tran Thi Thuy Duong, Ming-Cheng Wang, Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, Jazon Harl Hidrosollo, Pei-Fang Tsai, Ying-Chi Li, Wei-Hung Lin
Summary: Longitudinal studies on the variations of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of K. pneumoniae across two decades are rare. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence factors for K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with bacteraemia or urinary tract infection (UTI) from 1999 to 2022. The results showed differences in antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence gene profiles, and capsular types of K. pneumoniae among different clinical sources over the past two decades.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Suyeon Park, Hyunkeun Kim, Kwan Soo Ko
Summary: In hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, tigecycline resistance is associated with decreased virulence due to reduced production of capsular polysaccharides (CPS). Transcriptomic analyses revealed downregulation of ompK35 expression in tigecycline-resistant mutants, which overexpressed ompR and negatively regulated ompK35 expression. Tigecycline-resistant and ompR-overexpressed mutants exhibited reduced hypermucoviscosity and virulence, while deletion of ompR restored these phenotypes in tigecycline-resistant mutants.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Idowu J. Adeosun, Itumeleng T. Baloyi, Sekelwa Cosa
Summary: This study evaluated the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of selected phytochemical compounds against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Phytol was found to have the highest potential in inhibiting the formation of biofilm and reducing virulence factors.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Si-Ho Kim, Cheon-Hoo Jeon, Hyoung-Tae Kim, Yu Mi Wi
Summary: This study investigated the clinical characteristics of patients with hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae (hmvKp) bacteremia from non-hepatobiliary tract infection. The results showed that hmvKp was associated with less frequent drug resistance and metastatic-purulent presentation, but not with clinical outcomes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fuqiang Kang, Zili Chai, Beiping Li, Mingda Hu, Zilong Yang, Xia Wang, Wenting Liu, Hongguang Ren, Yuan Jin, Junjie Yue
Summary: This study identified 15,946 prophages from 1437 fully assembled K. pneumoniae genomes deposited in the NCBI database, with 9755 prophages on chromosomes and 6191 prophages on plasmids. The results showed that prophages in the K. pneumoniae genomes are diverse and widely distributed. The prophages encoded multiple putative virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Victoria Ballen, Yaiza Gabasa, Carlos Ratia, Raquel Ortega, Marc Tejero, Sara Soto
Summary: Uropathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae strains demonstrate higher antimicrobial resistance, ESBL production, and biofilm-forming ability compared to strains from other clinical sources.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sandra Suto, Branka Bedenic, Sasa Likic, Sara Kibel, Maja Anusic, Vladimira Ticic, Gernot Zarfel, Andrea Grisold, Ivan Barisic, Jasmina Vranes
Summary: This study reveals the rapid spread and extensive diffusion of OXA-48 carbapenemase in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and the community population in Zagreb County. It suggests possible transmission from hospitals and horizontal gene transfer between unrelated isolates responsible for the epidemic spread of OXA-48 carbapenemase. The findings highlight the shortcomings in infection control measures.
Article
Immunology
Lihua Shen, Heng Wu, Huiying Chen, Yan Jiang
Summary: This article reports a successful treatment of catheter-related urinary tract infection caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). Intermittent catheterization, acupuncture treatment, and pelvic floor muscle training were combined to remove the catheter and restore autonomous urination in the patient.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mengxin Xu, Changrui Qian, Huaiyu Jia, Luozhu Feng, Shiyi Shi, Ying Zhang, Lingbo Wang, Jianming Cao, Tieli Zhou, Cui Zhou
Summary: This study reports for the first time the development of CZA resistance and decreased virulence in ST11 CRKP strains during antimicrobial treatment. The findings emphasize the urgency to monitor CZA resistance and adjust anti-infective treatment strategies in a timely manner.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Dina M. Osama, Bishoy M. Zaki, Wafaa S. Khalaf, Marwa Yousry A. Mohamed, Mahmoud M. Tawfick, Heba M. Amin
Summary: This study investigated the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae (hmvKp) isolated from healthy individuals' gut. All isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR), and the majority of hmvKp isolates belonged to capsular serotype K2. Multiple virulence genes were detected in all study isolates. The absence of essential hypermucoviscosity-related genes such as magA and rmpA suggests the complex nature of this trait. Further research is warranted to confirm the hypermucoviscosity-related virulence factors among pathogenic and commensal Kp in different colonization niches.
Article
Immunology
Chin-Chung Tseng, Wei-Hung Lin, An-Bang Wu, Ming-Cheng Wang, Ching-Hao Teng, Jiunn-Jong Wu
Summary: This study confirms the advantage and synergistic action of FimH and PapGII in E.coli kidney infection through comparing the prevalence and coexistence pattern of adhesin genes in upper and lower urinary tract infection strains, as well as evaluating the infection ability in a mouse model.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chin-Shiang Tsai, Tang-Hsiu Huang, Po-Lan Su, Chiung-Zuei Chen, Chang-Wen Chen, Wen-Chien Ko, Nan-Yao Lee
Summary: This study investigated the impact of quarantine measures on patient safety and quality of care. It found that elderly and bedridden patients were more likely to develop acute critical illness during quarantine, and optimization of management could help reduce the occurrence of such illnesses.
JOURNAL OF THE FORMOSAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ming-Chi Li, Hung-Jen Tang, Chi-Jung Wu, Shin-Wei Wang, Shu-Li Su, Wei-Lun Liu, Wen-Chien Ko, Yee-Chun Chen
Summary: This study aimed to compare the identification performance of two MALDI-TOF MS systems and an oligonucleotide array for uncommon Candida species isolates. The results showed that the oligonucleotide array and the two MALDI-TOF MS systems had high identification rates for these isolates. Elevated fluconazole minimal inhibitory concentrations were observed for some uncommon Candida species.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Masayuki Hashimoto, Bin-Hsu Mao, Chien-Shun Chiou, Wen-Chun Huang, Ida Bagus Nyoman Putra Dwija, Shuen-Lin Jeng, Jiunn-Jong Wu, Ming-Cheng Wang, Wei-Hung Lin, Chin -Chung Tseng, Ching-Hao Teng
Summary: This study focuses on Escherichia coli, which is the main pathogen of urinary tract infections, and investigates its relationship with the gut microbiota.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chin-Chung Tseng, Song-Yu Lu, Szu-Jui Chen, Ju-Ming Wang, Lung-Ming Fu, Yi-Hong Wu
Summary: An integrated microfluidic aptasensor device has been proposed for monitoring the concentration of potassium ions in the bloodstream of patients with chronic kidney disease. The device showed high sensitivity and convenience for point-of-care monitoring of whole blood potassium ion concentration.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Szu-Jui Chen, Chin-Chung Tseng, Kuan-Hsun Huang, Yu-Chi Chang, Lung-Ming Fu
Summary: A novel assay platform utilizing a microfluidic chip and Raspberry Pi detection system is proposed for determining ACR in human urine, with results showing fine agreement with traditional methods, providing a convenient, real time, reliable, and low-cost solution for CKD diagnosis.
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Kun-Lin Wu, Che-Yi Chou, Hui-Yin Chang, Chih-Hsun Wu, An-Lun Li, Chien-Lung Chen, Jen-Chieh Tsai, Yi-Fan Chen, Chiung-Tong Chen, Chin-Chung Tseng, Jin-Bor Chen, I-Kuan Wang, Yu-Juei Hsu, Shih-Hua Lin, Chiu-Ching Huang, Nianhan Ma
Summary: This study developed a novel noninvasive miRNA test for diagnosing EPS. By screening miRNA profiles and combining clinical characteristics, machine learning models were able to accurately predict the occurrence of EPS.
CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yu-Lin Lee, Wen-Chien Ko, Po-Ren Hsueh
Summary: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) pose a growing threat to public health. This study analyzed data from multiple regions worldwide and found a high prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-KP), with significant variations in resistance patterns and associated genes between countries.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kuan-Yin Lin, Chia-Jui Yang, Hsin-Yun Sun, Yuan-Ti Lee, Bo-Huang Liou, Ing-Moi Hii, Tun-Chieh Chen, Sung-Hsi Huang, Chun-Yuan Lee, Chin-Shiang Tsai, Chi-Ying Lin, Chun-Eng Liu, Hsi-Yen Chang, Chien-Yu Cheng, Po-Liang Lu, Chien-Ching Hung
Summary: The care cascade of tuberculosis infection treatment among people living with HIV in the era of antiretroviral therapy scale-up was evaluated in this study. The study found a high initiation and completion rate of tuberculosis treatment, with the main barriers being physicians' concerns and patients' refusal. Factors associated with treatment non-completion included older age, female, anti-HCV positivity, and higher plasma HIV RNA.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ching -Chi Lee, Jen-Chieh Lee, Chun-Wei Chiu, Pei -Jane Tsai, Wen -Chien Ko, Yuan -Pin Hung
Summary: The study investigated the impact of corticosteroid therapy during acute Clostridioides difficile infections on clinical outcomes of adults with hospital-onset CDIs. Findings suggest that corticosteroid therapy during acute CDIs may increase the risk of CDI recurrence, particularly in patients without prior corticosteroid exposure.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ahmad Rifai, Wan-Ching Wu, Yu-Wen Tang, Mei-Yun Lu, Pei-Jen Chiu, Carol Strong, Chung-Ying Lin, Po-Lin Chen, Wen-Chien Ko, Nai-Ying Ko
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused psychological distress among healthcare workers (HCWs), and this study investigated the association between psychological distress and adverse events (AEs), as well as the determinants of protective behaviors in Taiwanese HCWs. The results showed that depression, distress, and anger were significantly associated with physical AEs, while suicidal thoughts were related to systemic AEs after COVID-19 vaccination. Older age and female gender were associated with more engagement in preventive behaviors, and suicidal thoughts were related to the occurrence of systemic AEs among HCWs. Doctors performed better at preventive behaviors compared to nurses and other HCWs, and HCWs experiencing anxiety and nervousness tended to avoid crowds.
Letter
Immunology
Chin-Shiang Tsai, Jiun-Ling Wang, Nan-Yao Lee, Po-Lin Chen, Ying-Jun Lin, Huey-Pin Tsai, Shu-Li Su, Hsin-Hui Huang, Lin-Wen Mao, Han Siong Toh, Wen-Chien Ko
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ching-Chi Lee, Yuan-Pin Hung, Chih-Chia Hsieh, Ching-Yu Ho, Chiao-Ya Hsu, Cheng-Te Li, Wen-Chien Ko
Summary: This study aimed to develop scoring systems to predict short-term mortality and length of hospital stay in patients with bacteraemia. The study found that clinical variables that dynamically changed from day 0 to day 3 were crucial in predicting the outcomes.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ming-Ta Chuang, Mei-Tsz Su, Chen-Hsi Chou, Yu-Ling Liang, Hsing-Fen Tsai, Pei-Hsiu Yu, Meng-Hsing Wu, Wen-Chien Ko, Pei-Yin Tsai
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jen-Chieh Lee, Chun-Wei Chiu, Pei-Jane Tsai, Ching-Chi Lee, I-Hsiu Huang, Wen-Chien Ko, Yuan-Pin Hung
Summary: The study found that the therapeutic effect of Clostridium butyricum for adult patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) was non inferior to metronidazole, but patients with diabetes mellitus had a lower treatment success rate.
BIOSCIENCE OF MICROBIOTA FOOD AND HEALTH
(2022)