Emergence of a carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST15-KL19 clone with elevated virulence potential in a tertiary hospital in China

Introduction: strains. Among these, ST15 is an expanding global high-risk clone, yet variants with elevated virulence potential carrying the KL19 capsular type remain rarely reported. Methods: ST15-KL19 clone exhibiting elevated virulence potential, isolated from a tertiary hospital in eastern China. Results: gene was located within a stable composite transposon, suggesting efficient mobility and long-term maintenance. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the isolates were closely related to other Chinese ST15-KL19 strains, indicating recent clonal expansion and local dissemination. Discussion: lineages.