Whole-Genome Sequencing of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae Isolated from a Patient with Pneumonia

Abstract

Klebsiella quasipneumoniae are Gram-negative capsulated, non-motile, facultative anaerobic rods. It is one of the species that belongs to K. pneumoniae complex. Human infections related to K. quasipneumoniae are exceedingly rare. Here, we present a case of K. quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae pneumonia in hospitalized patient with liver cancer. Strain identification was performed by mass spectrometry method and whole-genome sequencing. The isolate was extended spectrum beta-lactamase positive and possessed the blaSHV-18 gene. Genome sequence analysis of the isolate revealed the presence of virulence factors genes entA, entB, fepC, ompA, ykgK, and yagVWXYZ. The isolate demonstrated in vitro susceptibility to carbapenems, but, however, was classified as multidrug resistant with limited therapeutic options. To understand the significance of K. quasipneumoniae in human infections, it is important to distinguish it from other species of the K. pneumoniae complex.