Genomic insights unveil the plasmid transfer mechanism and epidemiology of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in Vietnam

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48206-3
• Publication Date: 2024-05-17T06:02:10Z
• Authors: Quynh Nguyen; Yen Thi Phuong Ng...; Tuyen Thanh Ha; Dung Thi Ngoc Tran; Phat Vinh Voong; Vinh Chau; Phuong Luong Nha ...; Ngan Thi Quynh Le; Lan Phu Huong Nguyen; To Thi Nguyen Nguyen; Tan Van Trinh; Juan J. Carrique-Mas; Stephen Baker; Guy Thwaites; Maia A. Rabaa; Marc Choisy; Hao The Chung; Duy Thanh Pham
• Keywords: Horizontal Gene Transfer; Klebsiella infections

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) is a significant cause of severe invasive infections in Vietnam, yet data on its epidemiology, population structure and dynamics are scarce. We screened hvKp isolates from patients with bloodstream (BSIs) at tertiary infectious diseases hospital Vietnam healthy individuals, followed by whole genome sequencing plasmid analysis. Among 700 BSI-causing Kp strains, 100 (14.3%) were hvKp. Thirteen identified 350 rectal swabs adults; none 500 children. The genetically diverse, encompassing 17 sequence types (STs), predominantly ST23, ST86 ST65. the 113 isolates, 14 (12.6%) carried least one antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene, largely mediated IncFII, IncR, IncA/C plasmids. Notably, acquisition AMR conjugative plasmids facilitated horizontal transfer non-conjugative virulence between K. strains. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated BSIs human carriage clustered together, suggesting role intestinal transmission. Enhanced surveillance crucial to understand factors driving transmission for informing preventive measures. Furthermore, we advocate clinical use our molecular assay diagnosing guide effective management.