Influence of the polysaccharide capsule on virulence and fitness of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of pathogenic bacteria is a critical virulence factor, often evading phagocytosis by host immune cells, while also interfering with the contact of the pathogen with host cells and contributing to biofilm formation. Klebsiella pneumoniae, a Gram-negative human pathogen associated with high antimicrobial resistances, produces 77 CPS serotypes. The CPS masks proteinaceous factors but also protects K. pneumoniae from uptake by host phagocytic cells and activation of the complement system. In addition to nosocomial, urinary tract and bloodstream infections or pneumonia hypervirulent strains have a highly mucoid phenotype and can cause soft tissue infections, liver abscesses, and meningitis as well. The CPS is therefore crucial

SUBMITTER: Zierke L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11839663 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature