Antimicrobial Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae

Dear Colleagues,

A great example of the rapid rise in bacterial resistance to antibiotics is Klebsiella pneumoniae. This species of bacteria is a testament to the challenges we face in modern medicine.
Before Klebsiella pneumoniae emerged as a formidable threat, physicians around the globe were already grappling with the challenges posed by resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa—a once-deadly pathogen that specifically targeted immunosuppressed patients.

In the evolving landscape of bacterial research, a new group has captivated our attention: the formidable ESKAPE pathogens. This group comprises Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species. 
Klebsiella pneumoniae has joined the ranks of our enduring adversaries, standing alongside Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the more formidable foe, and Acinetobacter baumannii. We also contend with two noteworthy Gram-positive pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium. Together, these formidable microorganisms challenge our defenses and inspire our relentless pursuit of solutions.

As of December 2025, the realm of scientific inquiry into Klebsiella pneumoniae has flourished, boasting over 39,253 publications. Remarkably, 3220 of these were released in the year alone, underscoring the growing significance of this pathogen in medical research and public health.

The world is preparing for the global spread of multiresistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, which has the ability to produce carbapenemases, including New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase, and to disseminate its hypervirulent variant.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a formidable bacterium, capable of inflicting both community-acquired and hospital-acquired infections, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. This insidious pathogen is responsible for a range of serious ailments, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections (bacteremia), and liver abscesses. Moreover, a particularly alarming strain known as hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae—distinguished by its hypermucoviscosity phenotype—poses an even greater threat. This strain can lead to life-threatening disseminated infections, such as pyogenic liver abscesses, osteomyelitis, and endophthalmitis, often targeting younger, healthier individuals. As we look to the future, both forms of this bacterium represent critical challenges that we cannot afford to underestimate.

This Special Issue delves into the pressing challenge of antimicrobial resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae, illuminating the hurdles that physicians encounter when confronted with this formidable resistant bacterium

Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez-Noriega
Dr. Dolores Alcantar-Curiel
Guest Editors

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