Klebsiella pneumoniae strain EuSCAPE_IT138

Klebsiella pneumoniae strain EuSCAPE_IT138 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. It displays a facultative anaerobic metabolism and utilizes chemoheterotrophic energy sources. This strain exhibits a unique cell arrangement in chains, pairs, and singles, and is motile due to the presence of flagella. EuSCAPE_IT138 is mesophilic, with an optimal growth temperature of 37°C, and it possesses two membranes and a single replicon. It is a free-living organism primarily associated with various hosts, including Homo sapiens, Gallus gallus, and several other metazoans and plants. This strain is notable for its pathogenicity in humans, contributing to a wide range of health issues, including bacteremia, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and more severe conditions such as meningitis and sepsis. The ability of Klebsiella pneumoniae to cause multiple infections underscores its role as a significant opportunistic pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The diverse host range of EuSCAPE_IT138, which includes mammals, birds, amphibians, and even plants, suggests a complex ecological adaptability. This adaptability may facilitate its transmission and persistence in various environments, highlighting the importance of understanding this pathogen's biology in both clinical and ecological contexts.