Stepwise phage resistance and collateral phage susceptibility in Klebsiella pneumoniae - PubMed
7 hours ago
- #Antimicrobial Resistance
- #Phage Therapy
- #Bacterial Genetics
- Study focuses on combating carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) using a stepwise phage recovery approach.
- Three lytic phages (P04, P40, P49) were identified, targeting different bacterial receptors (CPS, LPS-related structures, and a vitamin B12 transporter protein).
- Phage-resistant mutants emerged through homologous recombination, altering CPS and LPS structures, affecting phage accessibility.
- P49 demonstrated cross-genus activity, lysing other bacteria like Salmonella enterica, indicating a 'close-one-door-but-open-another' phenomenon.
- Findings suggest insertion sequences provide a generalized anti-phage defense and highlight potential for phage cocktails in therapy.