Hidden burden of intestinal Klebsiella pneumoniae in Taiwan: insights into pathogenic potentials and genomic diversity

Intestinal carriage of K. pneumoniae is highly prevalent and genetically diverse in Taiwan, with hypervirulent and multidrug-resistant strains present in the community. The association of virulence genes with anti-phagocytosis and adhesion phenotypes underscores the gut as a reservoir for clinically important clones. Ongoing surveillance of intestinal K. pneumoniae is warranted to monitor the emergence and evolution of pathogenic and resistant bacteria.