Article
Infectious Diseases
Aurora Piazza, Matteo Perini, Carola Mauri, Francesco Comandatore, Elisa Meroni, Francesco Luzzaro, Luigi Principe
Summary: This study reports a hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae strain causing recurrent meningitis and investigates its genomic features using whole-genome sequencing analysis. The strain is susceptible to most antibiotics despite the presence of some resistance genes and exhibits several virulence factors related to pathogenicity. Phylogenetic analysis shows high similarity between this strain and a Chinese isolate, suggesting a hidden circulation of this lineage.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Hiroki Namikawa, Ken-Ichi Oinuma, Koichi Yamada, Yukihiro Kaneko, Hiroshi Kakeya, Taichi Shuto
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae strains are associated with an increased risk of abscess formation in bacteremia cases, but not with a significant increase in mortality rate. The string test is reaffirmed as an important tool for detecting hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Jie Zhu, Tao Wang, Liang Chen, Hong Du
Summary: The review summarizes the virulence factors associated with hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae to understand its molecular pathogenesis and provide new strategies for improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections caused by hvKP.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Mi Nguyen-Tra Le, Thao Huu-Huong Nguyen, Van Minh Trinh, Tam Phuc-Bao Nguyen, Miki Kawada-Matsuo, Shizuo Kayama, Motoyuki Sugai, Hitoshi Komatsuzawa
Summary: This study identified bacteriocin genes in 180 K. pneumoniae species complex genomes and found that 32.8% of isolates carried at least one bacteriocin type. Microcin E492 was the most prevalent bacteriocin with a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity. Other bacteriocins had lower detection rates and limited inhibitory activity. These findings are important for understanding the K. pneumoniae species complex and the potential applications of bacteriocins in treating multidrug-resistant bacteria.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
F. Morales-Leon, A. Opazo-Capurro, C. Caro, N. Lincopan, A. Cardenas-Arias, F. Esposito, V. Illesca, M. L. Rioseco, M. Dominguez-Yevenes, C. A. Lima, H. Bello-Toledo, Gerardo Gonzalez-Rocha
Summary: The convergence of virulence and multidrug-resistant phenotype is reported for the first time in Chile in Klebsiella pneumoniae complex isolates, indicating a clinical problem that requires special attention and continuous surveillance in South America. The detected hypervirulent isolates displayed resistance to broad-spectrum cephalosporins and carried multiple antibiotic-resistance genes, leading to a multidrug-resistant phenotype. In vivo virulence testing confirmed higher virulence of the isolates compared to the control strain.
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
Infectious Diseases
Guillaume Rollin, Benjamin Rossi, Sylvain Brisse, Dominique Decre, Veronique Leflon-Guibout, Frederic Bert, Isabelle Hoffmann, Jean-Winoc Decousser, Bruno Fantin, Agnes Lefort
Summary: This study analyzed and compared the characteristics and outcomes of spontaneous meningitis (SM) versus postsurgical/traumatic meningitis (PSTM) caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. The results showed that SM cases were more severe than PSTM cases, with higher septic shock and in-hospital mortality rates. Additionally, the strains recovered from SM displayed hypervirulent phenotypic and genotypic characteristics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Rafael Nakamura-Silva, Louise Cerdeira, Mariana Oliveira-Silva, Karen Regina Carim da Costa, Elder Sano, Bruna Fuga, Quezia Moura, Fernanda Esposito, Nilton Lincopan, Kelly Wyres, Andre Pitondo-Silva
Summary: This article reports on the analysis of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from hospitalized patients in Manaus, Brazil. The study found the presence of multidrug-resistant and highly virulent strains, with a diverse distribution of genetic sequences and clones.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leonardo Albarracin, Ramiro Ortiz Moyano, Juan Martin Vargas, Bruno G. N. Andrade, Juan Cortez Zamar, Stefania Dentice Maidana, Kohtaro Fukuyama, Shoichiro Kurata, Maria Angela Jure, Haruki Kitazawa, Julio Villena
Summary: In this study, the virulence and immune response of two hypermucoviscous carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were evaluated. The results showed that LABACER01 had higher pathogenicity and caused more severe lung tissue damage compared to LABACER27. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of virulence-related genes and adhesion genes in both strains.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
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
Genetics & Heredity
Mi Nguyen-Tra Le, Shizuo Kayama, Kelly L. Wyres, Liansheng Yu, Junzo Hisatsune, Masato Suzuki, Koji Yahara, Tsuneko Terachi, Kana Sawa, Shin Takahashi, Toshihiko Okuhara, Kunihiko Kohama, Kathryn E. Holt, Tetsu Mizutani, Hiroki Ohge, Motoyuki Sugai
Summary: Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is a global life-threatening pathogen due to its multidrug resistance and hypervirulence phenotype. A study in Japan revealed that the hypermucoviscosity (HMV) phenotype of Kp is influenced by temperature, with strains carrying rmpA/rmpA2 genes showing HMV phenotype at 37 degrees C, while strains negative for these genes tend to show HMV phenotype at room temperature. Hypervirulent Kp clusters carrying rmpA/rmpA2 without ESBL/carbapenemases produced longer string lengths at 37 degrees C and were mostly isolated from the respiratory tract. Other HMV strains, not carrying rmpA/rmpA2 but positive for ESBL/carbapenemases, showed shorter string lengths at 37 degrees C and were frequently isolated from bloodstream infections.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Qiang Wang, Mengyuan Chen, Qian Ou, Lina Zheng, Xuejing Chen, Guofeng Mao, Jiaqi Fang, Dazhi Jin, Xiaofang Tang
Summary: CRKP is a major threat to public health and its main antibiotic resistance mechanism is carbapenemase genes. A range of carbapenemase genotypes and capsular serotypes have been identified, while CZA has shown good antimicrobial activity.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Na Huang, Huaiyu Jia, Beibei Zhou, Cui Zhou, Jianming Cao, Wenli Liao, Shixing Liu, Lingbo Wang, Liqiong Chen, Lijiang Chen, Tieli Zhou, Jianzhong Ye
Summary: This study investigated the clinical and microbiological characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae meningitis, revealing an association between antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and patient prognosis. The high fatality of meningitis caused by hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strains is particularly concerning.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Stefania Dentice Maidana, Ramiro Ortiz Moyano, Juan Martin Vargas, Kohtaro Fukuyama, Shoichiro Kurata, Vyacheslav Melnikov, Maria Angela Jure, Haruki Kitazawa, Julio Villena
Summary: In this study, we evaluated the immunomodulatory effect of Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum 090104 strain against the respiratory infection induced by hypermucoviscous carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. The results showed that pre-treatment with 090104 strain significantly reduced lung bacterial cell counts and tissue damage, and regulated the respiratory innate immune response. This study advances the positioning of 090104 strain as a next-generation probiotic for the respiratory tract and suggests its potential as a non-antibiotic therapeutical approach.
Article
Microbiology
Yunlong Shi, Yuan Peng, Yixin Zhang, Yu Chen, Cheng Zhang, Xiaoqiang Luo, Yajie Chen, Zhiqiang Yuan, Jing Chen, Yali Gong
Summary: AMR is a significant threat to global public health, and phages are emerging as important agents in the post-antibiotic era. The study showed that phage kpssk3 had therapeutic efficacy against CR-HMKP infection in mice, with no significant cytotoxicity and minimal impact on the gut microbiota.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
B. L. Chilvers, K. J. Morgan, B. J. White
Summary: This review examines global oil spill incidents from 1970 to 2018, highlighting significant gaps in reporting and recording of wildlife effects. The study underscores the crucial need for increased consistency and availability of data on oil spills and wildlife impacts worldwide to enhance industry and government preparedness and response procedures.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
B. Louise Chilvers
Summary: Stable isotope analysis is increasingly being used to study diet and foraging behavior in marine wildlife, with findings indicating differences in isotopic values between mothers and offspring in serum and milk samples, emphasizing the need for further research on their physiological and biochemical relationship.
Article
Environmental Sciences
B. Louise Chilvers
Summary: The study compares blood serum and whisker stable isotope values between New Zealand sea lion pups and their mothers to determine if these values can be used as proxies for identifying the mother's isotopic niche and foraging strategy. The research validates that the stable isotope values of 1-month-old pups can be indicators of female isotopic niche and foraging ecotype, which can help determine the proportion of breeding females exposed to negative interactions with fisheries.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
B. Louise Chilvers, M. L. (Phred) Dobbins
Summary: Understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that occur during range shift or (re-)colonization is crucial for species facing range changes due to climate change or human impacts. Observations of the establishment of a new breeding colony of New Zealand sea lions show differences in breeding behavior and population connectivity between established and establishing colonies. More public education, habitat management, and protection are needed for the safe return of New Zealand sea lions back on to mainland New Zealand.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
B. Louise Chilvers
Summary: New Zealand fur seals are increasing in numbers and distribution throughout New Zealand, except for the West Coast of the South Island where there has been a documented decline. The population of fur seals in lower Fiordland is estimated to be between 14-24 thousand, higher than previously recorded. This study also found that fur seals were rearing pups in forested areas.
NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Polly Yeung, Bridey White, Michael Ziccardi, B. Louise Chilvers
Summary: Oil spills can have severe environmental effects and impact the health and wellbeing of first responders. Oiled wildlife responders play a crucial role in rescuing and rehabilitating affected wildlife. Effective training and support from professional organizations are essential for responders to combat stress and compassion fatigue during incidents.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chris G. Muller, B. Louise Chilvers, Rebecca K. French, Phil F. Battley
Summary: Diet is a key factor affecting seabird foraging behavior and breeding success. Research on yellow-eyed penguins in the subantarctic region found significant changes in diet under different years and climate conditions, suggesting prey availability as a major limiting factor for survival and breeding success.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah A. Michael, David T. S. Hayman, Rachael Gray, Wendi D. Roe
Summary: This study investigated the clinical course and feasible clinical screening tools for hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in New Zealand sea lion pups. The findings suggest that clinical signs, hematological parameters, and gastrointestinal carriage detection are not effective for early detection of the disease. Age of the pups had a greater influence on the parameters than ivermectin treatment.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Komkiew Pinpimai, Wijit Banlunara, Wendi D. Roe, Keren Dittmer, Patrick J. Biggs, Rachod Tantilertcharoen, Katriya Chankow, Napawan Bunpapong, Pongthai Boonkam, Nopadon Pirarat
Summary: This study identified infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in captive African marmosets in Thailand, revealing strains with multiple virulence and antibiotic resistance genes that are closely related to human isolates from Ireland. The findings suggest that Klebsiella pneumoniae ST65 strains may spread worldwide through multiple international transmission events and have the ability to acquire genetic mobile elements from other bacteria.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Veterinary Sciences
John S. Munday, Brett D. Gartrell, Wendi D. Roe
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aditi Sriram, Wendi Roe, Brett Gartrell
Summary: Lead exposure in urban Kaka population was studied in this research. Blood samples from 139 nestlings were examined for lead concentrations, revealing that 36.7% of nestlings showed evidence of lead exposure. The exposure pattern suggested that lead was transferred from the mother via eggshells and also through direct parental feeding. While no clinical signs of toxicity were detected, the potential impact of lead on morbidity and mortality in Kaka species calls for continued monitoring of this toxicant and its effects on behavior and neurodevelopment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Manjula Jayasinghe, Emili Vallee, Charlotte Bolwell, Andrew Digby, Wendi Roe, Anne Midwinter, Brett Gartrell
Summary: This epidemiological study aimed to identify the environmental factors contributing to the initiation of exudative cloacitis in critically endangered Kakapo. The study found no direct relationship between the chemical characteristics of Kakapo roosting sites and the disease, but suggested further investigation of ammonium and moisture levels. Climate factors did not show significant influence on the incidence of the disease. Prospective data collection would aid in a more comprehensive epidemiological investigation of this disease.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Emily Kay, Melanie J. Young, Chris Muller, Laryssa Howe, Wendi Roe, Brett D. Gartrell
Summary: This study examined the host-pathogen dynamics of coccidian parasites in two populations of Yellow-eyed Penguins. The prevalence and pathogen load of Eimeria sp. were found to be higher in these penguins compared to previous reports. The morphology of the sporulated coccidial oocysts suggests the presence of a novel species of Eimeria.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Jim O. Roberts, Hannah F. E. Jones, Wendi D. Roe
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can infect New Zealand native wildlife, including dolphins and birds. The prevalence and impact of T. gondii on these species are largely unknown, highlighting a critical knowledge gap in conservation efforts.
PACIFIC CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Social Work
Bridey White, Polly Yeung, B. Louise Chilvers, Kieran O'Donoghue
Summary: The "Caring for the Carers" course provides animal-care professionals with knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively combat stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue. Participants found the course content useful for personal and professional development, ultimately improving their psychological wellbeing.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)