Emergence of population heterogeneity in Klebsiella pneumoniae with a bla_OXA-232-harboring plasmid: carbapenem resistance, virulence, and fitness.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study aimed to investigate the population heterogeneity on carbapenem susceptibility in Klebsiella pneumoniae strains that acquired a bla_OXA-232-bearing ColE-type plasmid.

Methods

A bla_OXA-232-bearing plasmid was electroporated into two carbapenem-susceptible K. pneumoniae strains. High- and low-carbapenem-resistant subpopulations were identified and isolated using patch plating. The strains were subsequently subcultured in antibiotic-free media, yielding two distinct populations: a stable, high-level carbapenem-resistant strains and a heterogeneous strains. Antibiotic susceptibility tests, time-killing assays, and population profiles were conducted, along with a competition assay was performed and the growth curve analysis. To assess vi

SUBMITTER: Cho YY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11829361 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature