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Article

Hypervirulence and Multiresistance to Antibiotics in Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Isolated from Patients with Hospital- and Community-Acquired Infections in a Mexican Medical Center

by
Areli Bautista-Cerón
1,
Eric Monroy-Pérez
1,*,
Luis Rey García-Cortés
2,
Ernesto Arturo Rojas-Jiménez
3,4,
Felipe Vaca-Paniagua
3,4,5 and
Gloria Luz Paniagua-Contreras
1,*
1
Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
2
Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Naucalpan de Juárez 53370, Mexico
3
Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
4
Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Diagnóstico Molecular y Efecto Ambiental en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
5
Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, CDMX, Mexico City 14160, Mexico
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Microorganisms 2022, 10(10), 2043; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10102043
Submission received: 23 September 2022 / Revised: 12 October 2022 / Accepted: 12 October 2022 / Published: 16 October 2022
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virulence and Resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae 2.0)

Abstract

:
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a pathogenic bacterium associated with different infectious diseases. This study aimed to establish the different association profiles of virulence genes related to the hypermucoviscous phenotype (HM), capsular serotypes, biofilm formation, and multidrug resistance in K. pneumoniae strains from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections. K. pneumoniae virulence genes and capsular serotypes were identified by PCR, antibiotic susceptibility by the Kirby–Bauer method, HM by the string test, and biofilm formation by measurement in polystyrene microtiter plates. Of a total of 150 strains from patients with hospital- (n = 25) and community-acquired infections (n = 125), 53.3% (80/150) were HM-positive and 46.7% (70/150) were HM-negative. HM-positive (68/80) and HM-negative (67/70) strains were biofilm-forming. Moreover, 58.7% (47/80) HM-positive and 57.1% (40/70) HM-negative strains were multidrug-resistant. Among HM-positive, HM-negative, and serotypes K1 (25/150), K2 (48/150), and non-K1/K2 strains, (77/150) the frequently detected adhesion genes were fimH, mrkD, ycfM, and kpn; entB, irp2, irp1, and ybtS, for iron acquisition; and rmpA for protectins. The gene association pattern fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/fyuA (18/150) was frequent among the strains. K. pneumoniae strains from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections demonstrated a wide diversity of virulence gene profiles related to phenotype (hypermucoviscosity, multidrug resistance, and biofilm formation) and serotypes.

1. Introduction

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a pathogenic bacterium associated with hospital-acquired infections [1] such as pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, liver abscesses, and surgical wound infections [2,3,4]; it also causes chronic community-acquired urinary tract infections [5]. The pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae is the result of a combination of different virulence factors such as adhesins (fimH-1, mrkD, kpn, and ycfM) involved in epithelial cell adhesion and biofilm formation; iron-acquisition systems (entB, iutA, irp1, irp2, ybtS, fyuA, and iroN); protectins (magA and rmpA); and toxins (hlyA and cnf-1) [6]. The emergence of hypervirulent variants of K. pneumoniae (hvKpn) with a hypermucoviscous phenotype (HM) has spread worldwide [7]. Several virulence factors have been associated with hvKpn strains, including the capsular serotypes K1 and K2, and the mucoviscosity-associated gene A (magA) and regulator of mucoid phenotype A (rmpA) genes [8]. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and hvKpn strains represents a serious health problem that reduces therapeutic options for the treatment of infections [9], and increases morbidity and mortality [10]. Information regarding the epidemiology of K. pneumonie in Mexico is scarce. In a multicenter study involving 14 hospitals across 8 states between 2005 and 2012, the prevalence of hospital strains of K. pneumoniae that produced ESBLs (extended-spectrum lactamases) was 27.5% (299/1084) [11]. In 2014-2015, K. pneumoniae was found in 6.4% (94/1461) of hospitalized and outpatients with urinary tract infections at the Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente from Jalisco, Mexico [12]. According to a national report from 12 hospitals located in 5 states and Mexico City, in 2016-2017, it was reported that the frequency of K. pneumoniae in patients with bacteremia was 21.9% (699/3182) and in those with urinary tract infections was 8.5% (740/8718) [13]. However, the virulence genotype and phenotype profiles of hvKpn and MDR K. pneumoniae, and their involvement in the pathogenesis of different infectious diseases, have been poorly studied. It is for this reason that the current study established the different association profiles of virulence genes linked to HM, capsular serotypes, biofilm formation, and multidrug resistance in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Bacterial Strains

This study analyzed 150 strains of K. pneumoniae (one isolate per patient) collected between September 2019 and March 2020 at the microbiology laboratory of Hospital General Regional No. 72 (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) located in the municipality of Tlalnepantla de Baz, Edo. de México, México. The strains were isolated from samples of patients with hospital-acquired infections, including bacteremia (n = 21), and pneumonia (n = 4), and from community-acquired infections including urinary tract infections (UTI; n = 61), respiratory infections (n = 53), infected ulcers (n = 8), and others (stool culture (n = 2) and tumor biopsy (n = 1)).

2.2. DNA Extraction and Identification of K. pneumoniae

DNA was extracted by the boiling method, as previously described [14]. K. pneumoniae was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on the 16S-23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer [15]. The PCR assay was performed using 20 μL of reaction mixture that included: 12 μL of Taq DNA Polymerase 2X Master Mix RED (AMPLIQON, Copenhagen, Denmark’s), 1 μL of forward primer and 1 μL of reverse primer (10 pmol, Integrated DNA Technologies, San Diego, CA, USA), 3 μL of nuclease-free water, and 3 μL of DNA template (100 ng). K. pneumoniae ATCC 700,721 was used as a control in each assay.

2.3. Detection of Hypermucoviscosity

K. pneumoniae strains were grown on 5% ram’s blood agar (DIBICO, Edo. de México, México) overnight at 37 °C. Using a standard bacterial inoculation loop, the surface of individual colonies was touched to observe the formation of viscous strings. Strains were classified as HM-positive when viscous strings greater than 5 mm in length were produced [16].

2.4. Antibiotic Susceptibility

Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the standard Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method (Investigación Diagnóstica, CDMX, México). The following 12 antibiotics were tested: ampicillin (AM; 10 μg), carbenicillin (CB; 100 μg), cephalothin (CF; 30 μg), cefotaxime (CFX; 30 μg), ciprofloxacin (CPF; 5 μg), chloramphenicol (CL; 30 μg), nitrofurantoin (NF; 300 μg), amikacin (AK; 30 μg), gentamicin (GE; 10 μg), netilmicin (NET; 30 μg), norfloxacin (NOF; 10 μg), and trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole (SXT; 25 μg). Escherichia coli ATCC 25,922 was used as a control in each assay. Results were interpreted using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines [17].

2.5. Biofilm Formation Test

Biofilm quantification in K. pneumoniae strains was performed using polystyrene microtiter plates, as previously described [18]. K. pneumoniae strains were grown in Luria-Bertani broth for 18 h at 37 °C. The optical density (OD) was adjusted to 0.56 (2 × 107 CFU/mL) at 540 nm. Culture aliquots (200 μL) were transferred to 96-well polystyrene microtiter plates and incubated for 24 h at 25 °C. A solution of 1% crystal violet (25 μL) was added to each well, and the plate was shaken and incubated at 25 °C for 15 min. The absorbance was measured on a Multiskan Ascent ELISA reader (Thermo Fisher Scientific) at 590 nm. The strains were classified as strong (OD > 0.500), moderate (0.500 < OD > 0.100), and weak (OD < 0.100) biofilm-producing.

2.6. Identification of Capsular Types K1 and K2

The primers and PCR conditions used to identify the K1 and K2 capsular serotypes were as previously described [19]. Each separate uniplex PCR assay was performed using 20 μL of reaction mix that included: 12 μL of Taq DNA Polymerase 2X Master Mix RED (AMPLIQON, Odense, Denmark), 1 μL of forward primer and 1 μL of reverse primer (10 pmol, Integrated DNA Technologies), 3 μL of nuclease-free water, and 3 μL of DNA template (100 ng).

2.7. Identification of Virulence Genes

The primers and PCR conditions used to assess the prevalence of virulence genes in K. pneumoniae strains were as previously described [6]. The following virulence factors were assessed: adhesins (fimH-1 (type 1 fimbriae), mrkD (type 3 fimbriae), kpn (fimH-like adhesin), and ycfM (outer membrane lipoprotein)), iron-acquisition systems (entB (enterobactin biosynthesis), iutA (aerobactin receptor), irp1, irp2, ybtS (yersiniabactin biosynthesis), fyuA (yersiniabactin receptor), and iroN (catecholate siderophores receptor)), protectins (magA (mucoviscosity-associated gene A) and rmpA (regulator of mucoid phenotype A)), and toxins (hlyA (hemolysin) and cnf-1 (cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1)).
A χ2 test using the statistical program SPSS (p < 0.05) was applied to establish the differences between the frequency of virulence genes linked to the HM, capsular serotypes, biofilm formation, and antibiotic multiresistance in K. pneumoniae strains.

2.8. Unsupervised Hierarchical Clustering

K. pneumoniae strains were systematically grouped according to genotype, phenotype, serotype, and clinical origin from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections using unsupervised hierarchical clustering with Gower’s similarity algorithm for categorical variables [20]. A categorical data matrix that included virulence genes, phenotype (hypermucoviscosity, biofilm formation, and multidrug resistance), capsular serotypes, and the clinical origin of patients with hospital-acquired infections (bacteremia and pneumonia) and community-acquired infections (UTIs, respiratory infections, infected ulcers, and others) was created in R (v3.6.1) using the cluster package (2.1.0). The distance of each strain was calculated based on the overall similarity coefficient, which estimates the maximum possible absolute discrepancy between each combined pair of strains. With the calculated distances, mutually exclusive groups were clustered by the Ward’s method using R [21]. Strains were visualized in a genotype–phenotype–serotype distribution diagram with a dendrogram constructed using hclust (v3.6.2, R core).

3. Results

3.1. Origin of Strains and Distribution of Virulence Genes and Serotypes

K. pneumoniae strains were obtained from specimens of patients with community-acquired ((UTIs (n = 61; Table 1), and respiratory infections (n = 53)) as well as hospital-acquired infections (bacteraemia; n = 21). The frequently identified genes in these strains were fimH, mrkD, ycfM, and kpn (coding for adhesins), entB, irp2, irp1, and ybtS (iron uptake systems), and rmpA (protectins) (Table 1). Notably, 16.6% (25/150) of strains belonged to serotype K1, and 32% (48/150) to K2. No statistically significant differences in frequency depending on clinical origin from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections were found between fimH, mrkD, ycfM, irp1, irp2, ybtS, fyuA, iroN, hlyA, and cnf-1 genes (p < 0.05, Table 1). However, the detection rates of kpn, entB, iutA, magA, and rmpA genes, and K1, K2, and non-K1/K2 serotypes differed depending on the clinical origin from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections (p < 0.05).

3.2. Virulence Gene Association Patterns

We identified 86 distinct virulence gene association patterns (Table 2). The distribution of virulence patterns was similar among strains of different clinical origin from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections (p < 0.05, Table 2). The exceptions were patterns no. 1 (n = 18), frequently associated with strains linked to bacteremia and infected ulcers; no. 3 and no. 20, associated with others (stool culture (n = 2) and tumor biopsy (n = 1)); and no. 18, associated with pneumonia (p < 0.05).

3.3. Hypermucoviscosity and Multiresistance to Antibiotics

Our hypermucoviscosity evaluation showed that 53.3% (80/150) of the strains were HM-positive (hospital-acquired (n = 8) and community-acquired (n = 72) and 46.7% (70/150) were HM-negative (hospital-acquired (n = 17) and community-acquired (n = 53)) (Table 3). HM-positive and HM-negative K. pneumoniae strains isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections had high percentages of resistance for the beta-lactams AM, CB, and CF. There was a significant difference in the percentages of resistance to seven antibiotics (CF, CFX, CPF, GE, NET, NOF, and SXT) among strains isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections (p < 0.05, Table 3). For these antibiotics, the percentages were higher for hospital-acquired strains (HM-positive and HM-negative), compared with community-acquired strains (HM-positive and HM-negative). In the same way, the percentages of multiresistant strains against 10–12 antimicrobials were higher in hospital-acquired strains ((HM-positive (5/8) and HM-negative (6/17)) compared with community-acquired strains (HM-positive (9/72) and HM -negative (7/53)).

3.4. Biofilm Formation

Biofilm formation was observed in 85% (68/80) of the HM-positive strains (Table 4) and in 95.7% (67/70) of the HM-negative strains (Table 5). The frequency of strong biofilm formation was similar between HM-positive (11/68; Table 4) and HM-negative (11/67; Table 5) strains; moderate and weak biofilm formation revealed the highest rate in HM-negative (29/67; Table 5) and HM-positive strains (39/68; Table 4), respectively. The frequency and distribution of virulence genes and serotypes K1, K2, and non-K1/K2 was similar between strains (independent of biofilm formation capacity, HM phenotype presentation, and hospital- and community-acquired infections) (p < 0.05, Table 4 and Table 5).

3.5. Distribution of Virulence Genes Related to Serotypes and Hypermucoviscosity

In HM-positive strains, gene frequency was consistent between serotypes K1 (exclusively in community-acquired), K2 (hospital- and community-acquired), and non-K1/K2 (hospital- and community-acquired; p < 0.05, Table 6). Significant differences were also found in HM-negative strains (hospital- and community-acquired) in irp1, ybtS, fyuA, magA, and rmpA genes according to the capsular serotype (p < 0.05, Table 7). The magA gene was identified in 100% of community-acquired HM-positive (n = 18; Table 6) or HM-negative (n = 7; Table 7) strains associated with serotype K1. The magA+rmpA+ gene association was detected in serotype K1 of community-acquired HM-positive (16/18; Table 6) and HM-negative (6/7; Table 7) strains.

3.6. Genotypic and Phenotypic Diversity

Three major groups were identified based on the similarities between K. pneumoniae strains (Figure 1). Group 1 was divided into several subgroups and consisted of 47 strains (range of number of strains from 76 to 91); groups 2 and 3 consisted of 50 (47 to 63) and 53 (127 to 142) strains, respectively. In all three groups, we identified pairs of strains of patients with community-acquired infections: 139 (UTI) and 140 (UTI); 117 (respiratory infections) and 121 (UTI); 17 (respiratory infections) and 21 (respiratory infections) with the same genotype, phenotype, and serotype (100% similarity; Figure 1), and strains (range 123 to 25) with the same genotype, but with different serotype, phenotype (HM, biofilm formation, and multiresistance to antibiotics) and clinical origin of patients with hospital-acquired infections (bacteremia (n = 8)) and community-acquired infections (UTIs (n = 8) and infected ulcers (n = 2)) (Figure 1).

4. Discussion

The results demonstrated that K. pneumoniae is an important pathogen causing hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections. K. pneumoniae has been reported to account for 2–7% of community-acquired UTIs [22,23], while pneumonia comprises 22–23% of cases requiring intensive care unit admission [24]. An extremely serious consequence of K. pneumoniae pneumonias and UTIs is their subsequent spread to the blood, causing bacteremia [25].
The pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae results from the different innate virulence factors, such as adhesins that promote colonization and tissue invasion. The distribution of adhesin genes (fimH, mrkD, and ycfM) was similar among strains of different clinical origin from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections, which was consistent with the findings of a previous report on K. pneumoniae isolates from urine, blood, pus, and lungs [6]. The high frequency of fimH (94%) and mrkD (95.3%) in our strains, which code for fimbria types 1 and 3, respectively, demonstrates their virulence, since fimbria type 1 is an important marker in UTIs [26], and type 3 mediates adhesion to kidney, lung, and bladder tissue [27].
Iron facilitates a large number of cellular activities essential for bacterial survival and reproduction [28]. The overall prevalence of iron uptake genes among strains of different origin from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections was similar in this study, with entB (96%), irp2 (86%), irp1 (83.3%), and ybtS (76.6%) showing percentages higher than those described in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from different specimens [6] or from renal transplant and non-transplant patients [29].
The overall frequency of the protectin genes magA (16.6%) and rmpA (52%) and the capsular serotypes K1 (16.6%) and K2 (32%) was significantly different among K. pneumoniae strains of different clinical origin from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections. magA and serotype K1 were frequently identified in strains associated with respiratory infections and infected ulcers; rmpA, with respiratory infections and others (stool culture and tumor biopsy); and serotype K2 (32%), with respiratory infections and bacteremia. The frequencies of virulence markers magA and rmpA, and serotypes K1 and K2 found in this study are similar to those described in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from pneumonia and UTI [30], and lower than those described in strains isolated from pyogenic liver abscesses [31].
The overall frequencies of hlyA (13.3%) and cnf-1 (14.6%) were similar among strains from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections and higher than those described in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from different specimens [6,29]. Toxin HlyA causes tissue damage, favoring invasion and nutrient release from the host [32], while CNF1 has been implicated in kidney invasion [33].
A wide distribution of virulence marker association patterns was identified in K. pneumoniae strains from different clinical origins from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections. This suggests that different virulence gene expression profiles may exist over the course of different infections, increasing infection severity, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Multidrug-resistance frequency was high among the hospital-acquired strains and community-acquired strains. The high resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics may be due to the marked increase in the number of K. pneumoniae strains producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases [34]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a study conducted in St. Andrea Hospital, Rome, found an increase in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing K. pneumoniae strains in the COVID-19 department, compared with other medical departments [35]. The percentage of resistance to AM, NF, AK, and GE found in hospital- and community-acquired HM-positive and HM-negative strains was similar to that described in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from pneumonia patients with and without diabetes [36], and higher than those found for CFX, CPF, and AM in HM-positive (n = 10) and HM-negative (n = 71) strains isolated from urine [37].
HM-positive (85%) and HM-negative (95.7%) hospital- and community-acquired K. pneumoniae strains in this study were biofilm-forming. No significant differences were found in the three categories of biofilm formation (weak, moderate, and strong) in HM-positive and HM-negative strains isolated from patients with hospital- and community acquired infections. The percentages of weak, moderate, and strong biofilm formation of HM-positive and HM-negative strains are higher than those described in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from different clinical origins [38,39]. The high percentage of biofilm formation among HM-positive and HM-negative strains isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections demonstrates their ability to cause acute infections, since biofilms protect bacteria against the host immune response and antimicrobials [40]. Notably, mrkD (type 3 fimbria), involved in biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae [41] was frequently detected among biofilm-forming HM-positive and HM-negative strains.
In HM-positive strains, the distribution of virulence markers associated with serotypes K2 and non-KI/K2 was similar among hospital- and community-acquired strains. With respect to HM-negative strains, irp1, ybtS, and fyuA were more prevalent in K2 of the hospital-acquired strains, and magA and rmpA in K1 of the community-acquired strains, compared with the other serotypes. As for HM-positive strains exclusively acquired in the community, 88.9% were rmpA+/K1 and 91.7% were rmpA+/K2. The magA marker, which is specific to serotype K1, was detected in 100% of HM-positive K1-associated community-acquired strains. rmpA and rmpA2 have been found in the pLVPK plasmid (219 KB) of hvKpn/HM-positive strains, along with other virulence factors encoding for several siderophore systems and genes associated with resistance to tellurite, copper, silver, and lead [42]. The frequencies of rmpA+/HM+/K1 and rmpA+/HM+/K2 detected in our K. pneumoniae hospital- and community-acquired strains and reported in strains from patients with liver abscesses [19] are higher than those described in Asia in HM-positive K. pneumoniae strains associated with pneumonia and UTIs [30,37].
Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis allowed the grouping of hospital- or community-acquired strains with the same genotype, phenotype, and serotype. Such is the case of community-acquired strains 139 (respiratory infection) and 140 (UTI), which presented the same genotype (fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS) and phenotype (HM-positive, moderate biofilm formation, and multidrug resistance), and were both non-K1/K2. Similarly, some community-acquired strains (17, 21, 117, and 121) also shared the same genotype, phenotype, and serotype, as was found in strains 83 (UTI) and 9 (bacteremia) acquired in the community and in the hospital, respectively. These results indicate that these K. pneumoniae strains could have been acquired by different patients in the community and some of these community strains may already be present in the hospital. This analysis demonstrates the wide distribution and versatility of the genotype–phenotype–serotype of strains related to different clinical origins of patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections, showing their ability to cause acute and fatal infections, especially those that present virulence factors characteristic of hvKpn strains described in other regions [43].

5. Conclusions

A global analysis of the systematic clustering of virulence genotype profiles related to HM, biofilm formation, capsular serotypes, and multidrug resistance in K. pneumoniae strains from different clinical origins of patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections has not been previously reported. Therefore, our findings are relevant and may help to better understand the role and pathogenesis of K. pneumoniae during infections, and guide treatment strategies against this important opportunistic pathogen.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, G.L.P.-C. and E.M.-P.; methodology, A.B.-C. and L.R.G.-C.; software, E.A.R.-J.; formal analysis, F.V.-P.; investigation, G.L.P.-C., E.M.-P. and A.B.-C.; data curation, A.B.-C.; writing—original draft preparation, A.B.-C., G.L.P.-C. and E.M.-P.; writing—review and editing, G.L.P.-C., E.M.-P. and F.V.-P.; funding acquisition, G.L.P.-C. and E.M.-P. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported by the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Dirección General de Asuntos del Personal Académico (DGAPA), Project PAPIIT IN225020, Official Letter DGAP/1956/2019.

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Acknowledgments

Areli Bautista-Cerón is a PhD student who received a scholarship from CONACYT-México with number 745299 and would like to thank Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas of Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) at Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala. This article is a requirement for obtaining the Doctor of Science degree of the Programa de Posgrado de Ciencias Biológicas, UNAM.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Figure 1. Clustering of K. pneumoniae strains according to virulence genotype profile and its association with clinical origin from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections, capsular serotype, biofilm formation, hypermucoviscous phenotype, and antibiotic resistance. Positivity and negativity for a given genotype is represented by a red and grey rectangle, respectively. Cladograms of the strains are shown at the top. Upper axis: identification number of the strains. Upper left axis: virulence genes. Lower left axis: antibiotic resistance (resistance to a given antibiotic is represented in yellow and susceptibility in blue). Upper bars (grey): frequency of the different virulence genes detected in each strain. Right bars (grey): frequency of each virulence gene. Lower bars (yellow): frequency of antibiotic resistance detected in each strain. Other: stool culture (n = 2) and tumor biopsy (n = 1).
Figure 1. Clustering of K. pneumoniae strains according to virulence genotype profile and its association with clinical origin from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections, capsular serotype, biofilm formation, hypermucoviscous phenotype, and antibiotic resistance. Positivity and negativity for a given genotype is represented by a red and grey rectangle, respectively. Cladograms of the strains are shown at the top. Upper axis: identification number of the strains. Upper left axis: virulence genes. Lower left axis: antibiotic resistance (resistance to a given antibiotic is represented in yellow and susceptibility in blue). Upper bars (grey): frequency of the different virulence genes detected in each strain. Right bars (grey): frequency of each virulence gene. Lower bars (yellow): frequency of antibiotic resistance detected in each strain. Other: stool culture (n = 2) and tumor biopsy (n = 1).
Microorganisms 10 02043 g001
Table 1. Frequency of virulence genes, and serotypes in strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
Table 1. Frequency of virulence genes, and serotypes in strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
FunctionGene or Capsular SerotypeOrigin of the Strainsp-ValueTotal (n = 150)
Hospital-Acquired
(n = 25)
Acquired in the Community (n = 125)
Bacteremia
n = 21 (%)
Pneumonia
n = 4 (%)
UTI
n = 61 (%)
Respiratory Infection
n = 53 (%)
Infected Ulcer
n = 8 (%)
*Other
n = 3 (%)
AdhesinsfimH21 (100)4 (100)57 (93.4)49 (92.5)7 (87.5)3 (100)0.754141
mrkD21 (100)4 (100)57 (93.4)51 (96.2)7 (87.5)3 (100)0.690143
kpn20 (95.2)4 (100)42 (68.9)32 (60.4)5 (62.5)3 (100)0.033106
ycfM21 (100)4 (100)55 (90.2)50 (94.3)7 (87.5)3 (100)0.622140
Iron-acquisition systemsentB21 (100)4 (100)60 (98.4)50 (94.3)6 (75)3 (100)0.028144
irp118 (85.7)2 (50)52 (85.2)45 (84.9)5 (62.5)3 (100)0.248125
irp219 (90.5)2 (50)54 (88.5)46 (86.8)5 (62.5)3 (100)0.102129
ybtS16 (76.2)3 (75)46 (75.4)42 (79.2)5 (62.5)3 (100)0.839115
fyuA17 (81)3 (75)38 (62.3)37 (69.8)4 (50)3 (100)0.379102
iutA3 (14.3)2 (50)22 (36.1)34 (64.2)2 (25)1(33.3)0.00464
iroN2 (9.5)09 (14.8)13 (24.5)2 (25)1(33.3)0.46527
ProtectinsmagA008 (13.1)15 (28.3)2 (25)00.03825
rmpA4 (19)2 (50)23 (37.7)43 (81.1)4 (50)2 (66.7)0.000478
ToxinshlyA1 (4.8)08 (13.1)9 (17)1 (12.5)1 (33.3)0.60720
cnf-13 (14.3)1(25)9 (14.8)8 (15.1)01 (33.3)0.76722
Capsular serotypeK1008 (13.1)15 (28.3)2 (25)00.0325
K211 (52.4)010 (16.4)25 (47.2)1 (12.5)1 (33.3)0.00148
Non-K1/K210 (47.6)4 (100)43 (70.5)13 (24.1)5 (62.5)2 (66.7)0.000177
Notes: significant p-values (<0.05) are presented in bold. * Other: stool culture (n = 2) and tumor biopsy (n = 1).
Table 2. Distribution of virulence gene association patterns in strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
Table 2. Distribution of virulence gene association patterns in strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
FunctionGene or Capsular SerotypeOrigin of the Strainsp-ValueTotal
(n = 150)
Hospital-Acquired
(n = 25)
Acquired in the Community (n = 125)
Bacteremia
n = 21 (%)
Pneumonia
n = 4 (%)
UTI
n = 61 (%)
Respiratory
Infection
n = 53 (%)
Infected
Ulcer
n = 8 (%)
* Other
n = 3
(%)
No.Patterns of Virulence Genes Total (n = 150)
1fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/fyuA8 (38.1)08 (13.1)02 (25)00.000118
2fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/rmpA/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/fyuA/iutA1 (4.8)1 (25)4 (6.5)7 (13.2)000.45813
3fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/rmpA/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/fyuA3 (14.3)02 (3.3)1 (1.9)02 (66.7)0.0068
4fimH/mrkD/ycfM/rmpA/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/fyuA/iutA002 (3.3)3 (5.7)000.8265
5fimH/mrkD/ycfM/rmpA/magA/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/fyuA/iutA/iroN001 (1.6)3 (5.7)000.5934
6fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/entB/irp1/irp21 (4.8)03 (4.9)0000.4844
7fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS003 (4.9)0000.4783
8fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/entB/irp12 (9.5)001 (1.9)000.1983
9fimH/mrkD/ycfM/rmpA/magA/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/fyuA/iutA001 (1.6)2 (3.8)000.4903
10fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/rmpA/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/fyuA/iutA/iroN0003 (5.7)000.3143
11fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/hlyA001 (1.6)1 (1.9)0012
12fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/rmpA/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS001 (1.6)1 (1.9)0012
13fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/entB01 (25)01 (1.9)000.1062
14fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/rmpA/entB/fyuA/iutA0002 (3.8)000.5462
15fimH/mrkD/ycfM/rmpA/magA/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/iutA001 (1.6)1 (1.9)0012
16fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/fyuA/iutA001 (1.6)1 (1.9)0012
17fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/rmpA/magA/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/fyuA0002 (3.8)000.5462
18fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/fyuA/cnf-11 (4.8)1 (25)00000.0222
19fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/fyuA/iroN/cnf-11 (4.8)01 (1.6)0000.4232
20fimH/kpn/mrkD/ycfM/entB/irp1/irp2/ybtS/fyuA/iutA/iroN/cnf-1/hlyA1 (4.8)00001 (33.3)0.0152
21-86Distinct patterns3 (14.3)1 (25)32 (52.4)24 (45.3)6 (75)0 66
Notes: significant p-values (<0.05) are presented in bold. * Other: stool culture (n = 2) and tumor biopsy (n = 1).
Table 3. Resistance and multiresistance to antibiotics according to hypermucoviscous phenotype (HM) in strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
Table 3. Resistance and multiresistance to antibiotics according to hypermucoviscous phenotype (HM) in strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
AntibioticsHypermucoviscous (HM) Phenotype
(n = 150)
Hospital-Acquired (n = 25)Acquired in the Community (n = 125)
HM-Positive
(n = 8) %
HM-Negative
(n = 17) %
HM-Positive
(n = 72) %
HM-Negative
(n = 53) %
p-Value
Ampicillin8 (100)17 (100)70 (97.2)53 (100)1
Carbenicillin8 (100)17 (100)70 (97.2)53 (100)1
Cephalothin6 (75)17 (100)35 (48.6)23 (43.4)0.00004
Cefotaxime7 (87.5)16 (94.1)20 (27.8)23 (43.4)0.000001
Ciprofloxacin7 (87.5)16 (94.1)21 (29.2)20 (37.7)0.0000006
Chloramphenicol1 (12.5)4 (23.5)18 (25)8 (15.1)0.41
Nitrofurantoin7 (87.5)10 (58.8)36 (50)33 (62.3)0.507
Amikacin3 (37.5)4 (23.5)12 (16.7)9 (17)0.772
Gentamicin5 (62.5)15 (88.2)20 (27.7)43 (81.1)0.0000006
Netilmicin5 (62.5)10 (58.8)14 (19.4)13 (24.5)0.0007
Norfloxacin6 (75)11(64.7)19 (26.4)25 (47.2)0.011
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole5 (62.5)16 (94.1)22 (30.6)24 (45.3)0.00001
Multiresistance (different families of antibiotics; n = 86)
4-62 (25)1 (5.9)10 (13.9)14 (26.4)
7-91 (12.5)2 (11.8)20 (27.8)10 (18.9)
10-125 (62.5)6 (35.3)9 (12.5)7 (13.2)0.00006
Notes: significant p-values (<0.05) are presented in bold.
Table 4. Distribution of virulence genes according to hypermucoviscous (HM)-positive strains and biofilm formation of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
Table 4. Distribution of virulence genes according to hypermucoviscous (HM)-positive strains and biofilm formation of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
FunctionGene or Capsular SerotypeHypermucoviscous (HM)-Positive (n = 80)
Biofilm (+)
(n = 68)
Biofilm (−)
(n = 12)
Weak
(n = 39) %
Moderate
(n = 18) %
Strong
(n = 11) %
Non-Producing
(n = 12) %
Hospital
(n = 3)
Community
(n = 36)
Hospital
(n = 3)
Community
(n = 15)
Hospital
(n = 2)
Community
(n = 9)
Hospital
(n = 0)
Community
(n = 12)
p-Value
AdhesinsfimH3 (100)35 (97.2)3 (100)14 (93.3)2 (100)7 (77.8)012 (100)0.152
mrkD3 (100)35 (97.2)3 (100)13 (86.7)2 (100)9 (100)012 (100)0.322
kpn3 (100)25 (69.4)3 (100)8 (56.3)2 (100)7 (77.8)07 (58.3)0.557
ycfM3 (100)35 (97.2)3 (100)13 (86.7)2 (100)8 (88.9)011 (91.7)0.375
Iron-acquisition systemsentB3 (100)35 (97.2)3 (100)12 (80)2 (100)9 (100)011 (91.7)0.117
irp13 (100)32 (88.9)3 (100)12 (80)2 (100)9 (100)011 (91.7)0.625
irp23 (100)32 (88.9)2 (66.7)13 (86.7)2 (100)9 (100)011 (91.7)0.625
ybtS3 (100)29 (80.6)2 (66.7)11 (73.3)2 (100)7 (77.8)012 (100)0.26
fyuA3 (100)29 (80.6)2 (66.7)11 (73.3)2 (100)5 (55.6)08 (66.7)0.447
iutA019 (52.8)1 (33.3)10 (66.7)05 (55.6)07 (58.3)0.790
iroN09 (25)02 (13.3)03 (33.3)02 (16.7)0.698
ProtectinsmagA09 (25)03 (20)02 (22.2)04 (33.3)0.773
rmpA1 (33.3)27 (75)1 (33.3)11 (73.3)1 (50)4 (44.4)07 (58.3)0.392
ToxinshlyA02 (5.6)02 (13.3)02 (22.2)000.255
cnf03 (8.3)01 (6.7)01 (11.1)02 (16.7)0.750
SerotypeK109 (25)03 (20)02 (22.2)04 (33.3)0.773
K22 (66.7)15 (41.7)04 (26.7)2 (100)3 (33.3)02 (16.7)0.19
Non-K1/K21 (33.3)12 (33.3)3 (66.7)8 (53.3)04 (44.4)06 (50)0.228
Table 5. Distribution of virulence genes according to hypermucoviscous (HM)-negative strains and biofilm formation of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
Table 5. Distribution of virulence genes according to hypermucoviscous (HM)-negative strains and biofilm formation of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
FunctionGene or Capsular SerotypeHypermucoviscous (HM)-Negative (n = 70)
Biofilm (+)
(n = 67)
Biofilm (−)
(n = 3)
Weak
(n = 27) %
Moderate
(n = 29) %
Strong
(n = 11) %
Non-Producing
(n = 3) %
Hospital
(n = 5)
Community
(n = 22)
Hospital
(n = 8)
Community
(n = 21)
Hospital
(n = 4)
Community
(n = 7)
Hospital
(n = 0)
Community
(n = 3)
p-Value
AdhesinsfimH5 (100)19 (86.4)8 (100)20 (95.2)4 (100)6 (85.7)03 (100)0.576
mrkD5 (100)20 (90.9)8 (100)21 (100)4 (100)5 (71.4)03 (100)0.117
kpn4 (80)11 (50)8 (100)18 (85.7)4 (100)3 (42.9)03 (100)0.015
ycfM5 (100)20 (90.9)8 (100)20 (95.2)4 (100)5 (71.4)03 (100)0.396
Iron-acquisition systemsentB5 (100)22 (100)8 (100)20 (95.2)4 (100)7 (100)03 (100)1
irp12 (40)19 (86.4)6 (75)17 (81)4 (100)3 (42.9)02 (66.7)0.676
irp23 (60)18 (81.8)7 (87.5)18 (85.7)4 (100)5 (71.4)02 (66.7)0.67
ybtS4 (80)17 (77.3)4 (50)14 (66.7)4 (100)5 (71.4)01 (33.3)0.224
fyuA3 (60)13 (59.1)6 (75)12 (57.1)4 (100)3 (42.9)01 (33.3)0.873
iutA2 (40)11 (50)1 (12.5)5 (23.8)1 (25)1 (14.3)01 (33.3)0.111
iroN1 (20)7 (31.8)1 (12.5)2 (9.5)00000.093
ProtectinsmagA04 (18.2)02 (9.5)0001 (33.3)0.214
rmpA1 (20)13 (59.1)07 (33.3)2 (50)1 (14.3)02 (66.7)0.096
ToxinshlyA1 (20)6 (27.3)06 (28.6)01 (14.3)000.717
cnf2 (40)5 (22.7)2 (25)6 (28.6)00000.198
SerotypeK104 (18.2)02 (9.5)0001 (33.3)0.214
K207 (31.8)3 (37.5)4 (19)3 (75)2 (28.6)01 (33.3)0.557
Non-K1/K25 (100)11 (50)2 (25)18 (85.7)1 (25)5 (71.4)01 (33.3)0.584
Table 6. Distribution of virulence genes according to hypermucoviscous (HM)-positive strains and capsular serotype of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
Table 6. Distribution of virulence genes according to hypermucoviscous (HM)-positive strains and capsular serotype of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
FunctionGeneHypermucoviscous (HM)-Positive (n = 80)
Capsular Serotype
No. (%)
K1
(n = 18)
K2
(n = 28)
Non-K1/K2
(n = 34)
p-Value
Hospital
(n = 0)
Community
(n = 18)
Hospital
(n = 4)
Community
(n = 24)
Hospital
(n = 4)
Community
(n = 30)
AdhesinsfimH018 (100)4 (100)23 (95.8)4 (100)27 (90)0.540
mrkD018 (100)4 (100)24 (100)4 (100)27 (90)0.238
kpn04 (22.2)4 (100)22 (91.7)4 (100)21 (70)0.000002
ycfM018 (100)4 (100)23 (95.8)4 (100)26 (86.7)0.280
Iron-acquisition systemsentB016 (88.9)4 (100)23 (95.8)4 (100)28 (93.3)0.715
irp1018 (100)4 (100)19 (79.2)4 (100)27 (90)0.170
irp2018 (100)4 (100)20 (83.3)3 (75)27 (90)0.280
ybtS017 (94.4)4 (100)18 (75)3 (75)24 (80)0.308
fyuA014 (77.8)4 (100)18 (75)3 (75)21 (70)0.797
iutA011 (61.1)017 (70.8)1 (25)13 (43.3)0.241
iroN08 (44.4)04 (16.7)04 (13.3)0.024
ProtectinsmagA018 (100)00000.000002
rmpA016 (88.9)1 (25)22 (91.7)2 (50)11 (36.7)0.00008
ToxinshlyA01 (5.6)02 (8.3)03 (10)1
cnf-10003 (12.5)04 (13.3)0.41
Notes: significant p-values (<0.05) are presented in bold.
Table 7. Distribution of virulence genes according to hypermucoviscous (HM)-negative strains and capsular serotype of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
Table 7. Distribution of virulence genes according to hypermucoviscous (HM)-negative strains and capsular serotype of K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with hospital- and community-acquired infections.
FunctionGeneHypermucoviscous (HM)-Negative (n = 70)
Capsular Serotype
No. (%)
K1
(n = 7)
K2
(n = 20)
Non-K1/K2
(n = 43)
p-Value
Hospital
(n = 0)
Community
(n = 7)
Hospital
(n = 7)
Community
(n = 13)
Hospital
(n = 10)
Community
(n = 33)
AdhesinsfimH07 (100)7 (100)12 (92.3)10 (100)29 (87.9)1
mrkD07 (100)7 (100)12 (92.3)10 (100)30 (90.9)1
kpn03 (42.9)7 (100)9 (69.2)9 (90)23 (69.7)0.256
ycfM07 (100)7 (100)13 (100)10 (100)28 (84.8)0.219
Iron-acquisition systemsentB07 (100)7 (100)13 (100)10 (100)32 (97)1
irp106 (85.7)7 (100)12 (92.3)5 (50)23 (69.7)0.042
irp205 (71.4)7 (100)12 (92.3)7 (70)26 (78.8)0.082
ybtS04 (57.1)7 (100)11 (84.6)5 (50)22 (66.7)0.035
fyuA02 (28.6)7 (100)10 (76.9)6 (60)17 (51.5)0.005
iutA04 (57.1)1 (14.3)7 (53.8)3 (30)7 (21.2)0.206
iroN02 (28.6)1 (14.3)3 (23.1)1 (10)4 (12.1)0.443
ProtectinsmagA07 (100)00000.000000006
rmpA06 (85.7)2 (28.6)11 (84.6)1 (10)6 (18.2)0.00004
ToxinshlyA03 (42.9)04 (30.8)1 (10)6 (18.2)0.425
cnf-103 (42.9)2 (28.6)3 (23.1)2 (20)5 (15.2)0.395
Notes: significant p-values (<0.05) are presented in bold.
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Bautista-Cerón, A.; Monroy-Pérez, E.; García-Cortés, L.R.; Rojas-Jiménez, E.A.; Vaca-Paniagua, F.; Paniagua-Contreras, G.L. Hypervirulence and Multiresistance to Antibiotics in Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Isolated from Patients with Hospital- and Community-Acquired Infections in a Mexican Medical Center. Microorganisms 2022, 10, 2043. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10102043

AMA Style

Bautista-Cerón A, Monroy-Pérez E, García-Cortés LR, Rojas-Jiménez EA, Vaca-Paniagua F, Paniagua-Contreras GL. Hypervirulence and Multiresistance to Antibiotics in Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Isolated from Patients with Hospital- and Community-Acquired Infections in a Mexican Medical Center. Microorganisms. 2022; 10(10):2043. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10102043

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Bautista-Cerón, Areli, Eric Monroy-Pérez, Luis Rey García-Cortés, Ernesto Arturo Rojas-Jiménez, Felipe Vaca-Paniagua, and Gloria Luz Paniagua-Contreras. 2022. "Hypervirulence and Multiresistance to Antibiotics in Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Isolated from Patients with Hospital- and Community-Acquired Infections in a Mexican Medical Center" Microorganisms 10, no. 10: 2043. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10102043

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