Klebsiella pneumoniae has been identified by the World Health Organization as one of the most critical pathogens due to its increasing resistance to antibiotics. Researchers from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Russia and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States have identified a pathogenic mechanism that could pave the way for new treatments for Klebsiella infections.
The research published in the journal Cell Reports focused on Klebsiella-induced pneumonia in mice models. By analyzing the host-pathogen interactions the researchers discovered that Klebsiella inhibits the production of a molecule called cAMP in immune cells called macrophages. The absence of cAMP leads to a decrease in the expression of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin which makes the mice more susceptible to Klebsiella infections.
The researchers also identified a promising treatment for Klebsiella infections based on this mechanism. They found that administering a synthetic version of cAMP to the mice boosted cathelicidin production and protected them from Klebsiella pneumonia.
Klebsiella infections are becoming increasingly common among hospitalized patients especially those in intensive care units. The bacteria can cause pneumonia bloodstream infections wound infections and urinary tract infections. In some cases the bacteria can be resistant to multiple antibiotics making them particularly difficult to treat.
The researchers hope that their findings will lead to new treatments for Klebsiella infections especially in light of the antibiotic resistance crisis. "Our study provides a new avenue for improving antimicrobial approaches and protecting individuals from bacterial infections. We are optimistic that our findings will contribute to the discovery of new treatments for Klebsiella infections" said Skoltech Professor Konstantin Severinov one of the co-authors of the study.
