Klebsiella pneumoniae strain EuSCAPE_IT256

Klebsiella pneumoniae strain EuSCAPE_IT256 is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is a facultative anaerobe, capable of thriving in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. This strain is chemoheterotrophic, utilizing organic compounds for energy, and exhibits mobility due to the presence of flagella. It typically exists in various arrangements, including chains, pairs, and singles. EuSCAPE_IT256 has a mesophilic temperature range, with an optimal growth temperature of 37°C, which aligns with the body temperature of its primary host, Homo sapiens. This strain is associated with a wide array of hosts, including domestic animals such as Gallus gallus (chickens), Sus scrofa (pigs), and Canis lupus familiaris (dogs), as well as various metazoans and plants. The pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae EuSCAPE_IT256 is significant, as it is known to cause a variety of serious health conditions in humans, including bacteremia, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and sepsis, among others. Its ability to infect multiple hosts suggests a versatile ecological role, allowing it to thrive in diverse environments, including those associated with both humans and animals. The presence of this strain in various hosts highlights its potential as an opportunistic pathogen, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Its free-living nature, coupled with its capacity to cause a range of infections, emphasizes the importance of monitoring its spread and understanding its interactions within different ecosystems.