Developing phage depolymerase enzymes to disarm Klebsiella pneumoniae

Hospital-acquired infections with multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae result in significant burdens to the patient and healthcare system, resulting in illness, extended hospitalisation and death. Despite rigorous cleaning protocols, hospital-acquired infections often result from bacteria contaminating equipment and surfaces. In this thesis, bacteriophage-derived depolymerase enzymes were structurally characterised and stabilised. Depolymerases could be formulated in the harsh chemical environments of multiple disinfectant agents. These depolymerases could also clear capsule and biofilm, critical factors in Klebsiella pneumoniae’s resistance to disinfection and antimicrobial treatment. These enzymatic biocide additives could one day be preventatively applied to reduce the burden of hospital-acquired infections, saving lives.