Genome-wide CRISPRi-seq profiling identifies envelope biogenesis as a key determinant of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae bile salt resistance and gut colonization

By employing genome-wide CRISPRi-seq, this study defines the genetic basis of bile salt resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 43816, revealing a multi-layered defense network. Functional validation shows that key genes within this network are essential for both in vitro bile salt resistance and intestinal colonization in mice, highlighting new targets for strategies aimed at disrupting gut persistence.