Klebsiella pneumoniae strain EuSCAPE_IT039

Klebsiella pneumoniae strain EuSCAPE_IT039 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits a facultative anaerobic metabolism, allowing it to thrive in varying oxygen conditions. It is classified as a chemoheterotroph, utilizing organic compounds for energy. The strain typically forms chains, pairs, or single cells, and possesses flagella, indicating mobility. EuSCAPE_IT039 is mesophilic, with an optimal growth temperature of 37°C, which aligns with the human body temperature, suggesting its adaptation to a host-associated habitat. The bacterium has a complex biotic relationship, being free-living while also capable of infecting a wide range of hosts, including Homo sapiens, various birds, mammals, amphibians, and plants. This strain is notably pathogenic to humans, associated with numerous health complications such as bacteremia, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and sepsis, among others. Its ability to cause serious infections highlights its clinical significance, particularly in vulnerable populations. The diversity of infections it can cause indicates a versatile pathogenicity, making it a notable concern in medical microbiology. The presence of a single replicon and two membranes is characteristic of its Gram-negative structure, which may contribute to its virulence. Given its wide host range and pathogenic potential, Klebsiella pneumoniae strain EuSCAPE_IT039 plays a significant role in both human health and ecological dynamics, illustrating the interconnectedness of microbial life with vertebrate and plant hosts.