Data Sheet 1_Differential analysis of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes in ST11 CRKP and ST15 CRKP isolates from a tertiary hospital.pdf

ObjectiveTo compare the virulence and resistance gene profiles between ST11 and ST15 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) isolates from a hospital in Ningbo, China, and to provide insights for clinical treatment and infection control.
MethodsA total of 129 clinical CRKP isolates were collected and subjected to multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to identify ST11 and ST15 strains. Resistance and virulence genes were detected by PCR, and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the VITEK-2 Compact system.
ResultsAmong the isolates, 48 were ST11 CRKP and 43 were ST15 CRKP. Both groups exhibited high resistance to ertapenem, ciprofloxacin, cefoperazone/sulbactam, imipenem, and levofloxacin. ST15 CRKP showed lower resistance to cotrimoxazole and amikacin. The carriage rate of blaKPC-2 was higher in ST11 CRKP. Virulence analysis revealed that ST11 CRKP predominantly carried the K2 capsular type, while ST15 CRKP mainly expressed K5. ST11 CRKP also showed higher prevalence of iron transporter (kfu), adhesion (kpn), and pLVPK-like plasmid genes (rmpA2, peg344, iucA).
ConclusionST11 CRKP demonstrates stronger resistance and higher virulence potential compared to ST15 CRKP. However, the detection of a hypervirulent ST15 strain indicates its potential risk for evolution. Strengthening the stewardship of carbapenem use is crucial for controlling CRKP dissemination.