Characterization of multidrug-resistant ST978-KL103 <i>Klebsiella quasipneumoniae</i> subsp. <i>quasipneumoniae</i> clinical strains co-harboring <i>tmexCD2-toprJ2</i> and <i>bla</i> <sub>IMP-4</sub>
The emergence of extensively drug-resistant <i>Klebsiella quasipneumoniae</i> strains poses a significant threat to global health yet remains underrecognized due to diagnostic limitations. Our study identifies ST978-KL103 as a cryptic high-risk lineage co-harboring <i>bla</i><sub>IMP-4</sub>, <i>bla</i><sub>NDM-1</sub>, and tmexCD2-toprJ2 on transferable plasmids. These findings highlight the species' underappreciated role as a reservoir and disseminator of last-line resistance. The strong biofilm formation and serum resistance further suggest persistence potential in clinical settings. Early recognition and surveillance of such emerging clones are critical to prevent silent dissemination and therapeutic failure in healthcare environments.
Authors
- Jiarui He (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4665-2306)
- Zhenlei Xiao
- Si Xu
- Jiale Wu
- Derong Xu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3991-6329)
Institutions
- Nanchang University (CN)
- Jiangxi University of Technology (CN)
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi Medical College (CN)
- First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Microbiology Spectrum
- Published
- 2025-12-19
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02622-25
- Primary Topic
- Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00