Klebsiella pneumoniae strain EuSCAPE_IT249

Klebsiella pneumoniae strain EuSCAPE_IT249 is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits a facultative anaerobic metabolism, utilizing chemoheterotrophic energy sources. It is characterized by its mobility, facilitated by the presence of flagella, and typically exists in various arrangements, including chains, pairs, and singles. This strain thrives optimally at 37°C, comfortably fitting within the mesophilic temperature range. As a pathogen, K. pneumoniae strain EuSCAPE_IT249 is associated with a wide array of health complications in humans, including bacteremia, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and various intra-abdominal infections. It is known to cause severe conditions such as sepsis and neonatal sepsis, as well as pyogenic liver abscesses and emphysematous pyelonephritis. The strain also poses risks in veterinary contexts, affecting hosts such as Gallus gallus (chickens), Sus scrofa (swine), and Canis lupus familiaris (domestic dogs). The ecological role of K. pneumoniae strain EuSCAPE_IT249 is multifaceted, as it is classified as free-living but also significantly impacts human health and agriculture. Its presence in diverse hosts, ranging from mammals to plants, underscores its adaptability and potential for cross-species transmission. This adaptability highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and research to better understand its pathogenic mechanisms and ecological interactions, particularly in the context of rising antibiotic resistance.