A global perspective on the convergence of hypervirulence and carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae

Abstract

Hypervirulence and carbapenem resistance have emerged as two distinct evolutionary directions for Klebsiella pneumoniae, which pose a great threat in clinical settings. Multiple virulence factors contribute to hypervirulence, and the mechanisms of carbapenem resistance are complicated. However, more and more K. pneumoniae strains have been identified in recent years integrating both phenotypes, resulting in devastating clinical outcomes. Hypervirulent and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) emerged in the early 2010s and thereafter have become increasingly prevalent. CR-hvKP are primarily prevalent in Asia, especially China, but are reported all over the world. Mechanisms for the emergence of CR-hvKP can be summarised by three patterns: (i) carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) acquiring a hypervirulent phenotype; (ii) hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKP) acquiring a carbapenem-resistant phenotype; and (iii) K. pneumoniae acquiring both a carbapenem resistance and hypervirulence hybrid plasmid. With their global dissemination, continued surveillance of the emergence of CR-hvKP should be more highly prioritised.

Keywords: CRKP; KPC; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Siderophore; Virulence plasmid; hvKP.