Klebsiella pneumoniae strain EuSCAPE_IT264

Klebsiella pneumoniae strain EuSCAPE_IT264 is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits a facultative anaerobic metabolism, utilizing chemoheterotrophic energy sources. This strain is characterized by its mobility, facilitated by the presence of flagella, and it typically forms chains, pairs, or single cells. The optimal growth temperature for EuSCAPE_IT264 is 37°C, placing it within the mesophilic temperature range. EuSCAPE_IT264 is primarily host-associated, showing a wide spectrum of potential hosts, including Homo sapiens and various animal species such as Gallus gallus (chickens), Canis lupus familiaris (dogs), and Sus scrofa (pigs). This bacterium is known for its pathogenicity in humans, causing a variety of severe health conditions. Reported infections include bacteremia, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and more complex conditions like pyogenic liver abscesses and neonatal sepsis. Klebsiella pneumoniae is significant not only due to its pathogenic effects but also because of its ecological role as a free-living organism. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments, coupled with its pathogenic potential, underlines the importance of monitoring its presence in both clinical and environmental settings. This duality emphasizes the need for ongoing research into its transmission dynamics and resistance mechanisms, particularly given its association with serious infections in a range of hosts. Understanding the ecological interactions of EuSCAPE_IT264 could provide insights into its adaptability and the challenges it presents in healthcare settings.