Evaluation of the mechanisms of bacterial virulence and fitness of clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae producing KPC-2

• Grant number: 13/18039-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: September 01, 2014 - August 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Ana Cristina Gales
• Grantee: Ana Cristina Gales
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Alexandra Ivo de Medeiros ; Marcelo Alves da Silva Mori

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates are pathogens frequently acquired infections both in the community and in the hospital environment. The production of carbapenemase mainly KPC type (K. pneumoniae carbapenemase) by this bacterium is a major cause for concern, since strains of K. pneumoniae producing KPC are resistant to most classes of antimicrobials. Thus, the therapeutic options available clinically for the treatment of these infections are limited resulting in high mortality rates. The pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae has been associated with the presence of different virulence factors, but little is known about the virulence factors present in strains of K. pneumoniae producing KPC, as well as the impact that these in combination with other resistance mechanisms might play in the ability of bacterial survival and reproduction (fitness bacterial). Thus, studies to evaluate the association of these mechanisms in isolates of K. pneumoniae producing KPC and its impact on bacterial fitness is required. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

CODO, ANA CAMPOS; SARAIVA, AMANDA CORREIA; DOS SANTOS, LEONARDO LIMA; VISCONDE, MARINA FRANCISCO; GALES, ANA CRISTINA; ZAMBONI, DARIO SIMOES; MEDEIROS, ALEXANDRA IVO. Inhibition of inflammasome activation by a clinical strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae impairs efferocytosis and leads to bacterial dissemination. CELL DEATH & DISEASE, v. 9, DEC 5 2018. (13/18039-0, 11/17611-7, 17/19870-6)