Genomic Profiling Reveals Clinically Relevant Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae from Hong Kong Wet Markets

<b>Background:</b><i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> is a highly dangerous microorganism that presents significant challenges to effectively eliminate in food production facilities, making it a serious and urgent public health concern. The wet markets of Hong Kong represent a considerable yet insufficiently explored source for the spread of microorganisms. <b>Methods:</b> This investigation employed whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics to assess the genomic variation and adaptive traits of <i>K. pneumoniae</i> extracted from wooden cutting boards in these marketplaces. We examined four wet market isolates in conjunction with 39 publicly accessible genomes from diverse origins. <b>Results:</b> Pan-genome analysis revealed a diverse and open genetic structure significantly shaped by horizontal gene transfer. Phylogenetic reconstruction did not categorize the wet market isolates into a singular clade, indicating varied contamination sources; nonetheless, certain market isolates exhibited close phylogenetic affiliations with high-risk clinical clones, implying possible spillover events. These isolates exhibited a concerning variety of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), chiefly encoding efflux pumps (acrAB, oqxAB), which confer resistance to numerous drug categories. Moreover, the evaluation for pathogenicity attributes uncovered genes associated with robust biofilm development (fim and mrk operons) and efficient iron procurement strategies. <b>Conclusions:</b> The existence of these genetically adaptable isolates, possessing multidrug resistance and virulence factors, renders wet markets potential amplifiers and reservoirs for the spread of resistant pathogens. These findings present the initial genomic evidence of such risks in Hong Kong's wet markets and emphasize the immediate necessity for improved hygiene protocols and comprehensive One Health surveillance to reduce transmission at the human-animal-environment interface.