Distribution of capsule and O types in Klebsiella pneumoniae causing neonatal sepsis in Africa and South Asia: A meta-analysis of genome-predicted serotype prevalence to inform potential vaccine coverage.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Klebsiella pneumoniae causes ~20% of sepsis in neonates, with ~40% crude mortality. A vaccine administered to pregnant women, protecting against ≥70% of K. pneumoniae infections, could avert ~400,000 cases and ~80,000 deaths annually, mostly in Africa and South Asia. Vaccine formulations targeting the capsular polysaccharide (K) or lipopolysaccharide (O) antigens are in development. Global K. pneumoniae populations display extensive K and O diversity, necessitating a polyvalent vaccine targeted to the serotypes associated with neonatal disease in relevant geographical regions. We investigated the prevalence of K and O types associated with neonatal sepsis in Africa and South Asia to inform maternal vaccine design.

Methods and findings

We analysed 1,930 K. pneumoni

SUBMITTER: Stanton TD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12810917 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature