Genomics-based inhabitants evaluation of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae motivated a renewed curiosity on the capsule as an evolutionary and virulence marker of clinically related strains. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based approaches have supplied nice insights into the genetic variability of the capsular locus, however genotypic-biochemical capsular (Ok)-type correlations are missing, hindering the institution of a dependable framework for Ok-type characterization and typing.
To fill this hole, we mixed molecular, comparative genomics, and multivariate knowledge evaluation instruments with biochemical knowledge on the capsular locus to help the usefulness of Fourier rework infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy as a dependable Ok typing instrument. To validate our method, we used a consultant assortment of well-defined MDR Ok. pneumoniae lineages concerned in native or nationwide epidemics in a number of international locations.
With this, we display a excessive accuracy and decision of our FT-IR-based spectroscopy method for Ok-type discrimination that’s even greater than that supplied by WGS. Moreover, the particular associations established between sure Ok varieties and particular Ok.
pneumoniae lineages with excessive medical relevance, along with the accuracy, simplicity, quick time to outcome, and cheap options of the strategy, help the worth of the developed FT-IR-based method for an straightforward, quick, and cost-effective pressure typing. This fulfills a nonetheless unmet want for instruments to help real-time monitoring and management of Ok. pneumoniae infections. In addition, the genotypic-biochemical correlations established present insights on sugar composition/construction of newly outlined Ok. pneumoniae capsular varieties.
IMPORTANCEKlebsiella pneumoniae is these days acknowledged as some of the defiant human pathogens, whose infections are more and more more difficult to deal with and management. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been key for clarifying the inhabitants construction of Ok. pneumoniae, and it’s nonetheless instrumental to offer insights into potential pathogenicity and evolutionary markers, such as the capsular locus.
However, this data and WGS are nonetheless removed from being accessible and translated into routine medical microbiology laboratories as fast and cost-efficient pressure diagnostic instruments. Here, we suggest a biochemical fingerprinting method primarily based on Fourier rework infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and multivariate knowledge evaluation instruments for Ok. pneumoniae capsular typing that, due to its excessive decision, pace, and low price, might be an asset to offer sufficient data to help real-time epidemiology and an infection management choices. Besides, it offers a easy framework for phenotypic/biochemical validation of Ok. pneumoniae capsular variety.