KpSC-ID: a multiplex real-time PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of the <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> species complex and specific identification of <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, <i>Klebsiella quasipneumoniae</i> and <i>Klebsiella variicola</i>.

ABSTRACT: The Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (KpSC) comprises five closely related bacterial species, namely Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, Klebsiella variicola, Klebsiella quasivariicola and Klebsiella africana. The KpSC is ubiquitous in the environment and is also an important human pathogen, particularly associated with healthcare-associated infections. The accurate detection and differentiation of the KpSC is challenging owing to the close phenotypic and genotypic identity (93-95% average nucleotide identity) shared between these members. Current diagnostic assays either fail to detect and identify all KpSC members or misidentify some KpSC members as K. pneumoniae sensu stricto. It is currently estimated that ~20% of hum

SUBMITTER: McAndrew G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12310337 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature