A capsule-dependent lytic phage for targeting multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>.

ABSTRACT: As the threat of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains rises, the potential of phages as promising alternatives to antibiotics is increasingly being demonstrated. In this study, we isolated and characterized phiK2044, a highly specific and efficient lytic phage targeting the model strain K. pneumoniae NTUH-K2044. Demonstrating wide host compatibility, potent lytic activity, and robust environmental adaptability, phiK2044 exhibited exceptional efficacy against hypervirulent subtypes, including hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (45.2%), sequence type 23 (87.5%), and capsular K1 (92.3%). In the mouse model, phiK2044 effectively cleared bacteria without significant side effects, highlighting its therapeutic potential. Mechanistically, we identified wcaJ, a gen

SUBMITTER: Tian Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12628831 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature