Antibiotic Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae: New Insights into Mechanisms and Drug Development

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae, a major cause of hospital- and community-acquired infections, has become increasingly resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing a serious public health challenge worldwide. This review comprehensively examines the diverse mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae, including the production of β-lactamases such as ESBLs and carbapenemases, alterations in outer membrane porins, activation of efflux pumps, and biofilm formation. These mechanisms contribute to the bacterium’s ability to evade the effects of a broad spectrum of antimicrobial agents, leading to multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) phenotypes. The emergence and global dissemination of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strains are particularly concerning due to limited therapeutic options and high mortality rates. Additionally, this review highlights the impact of resistance on clinical outcomes and the challenges posed by the limited development of new antibiotics. Understanding the molecular basis of antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae is essential for guiding effective treatment strategies and fostering the development of novel antimicrobial agents.