Regulation of biofilm formation in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Yin Li, Ming Ni
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that is responsible for a variety of nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Klebsiella pneumoniae has become a major public health issue owing to the rapid global spread of extensively-drug resistant (XDR) and hypervirulent strains. Biofilm formation is an important virulence trait of K. pneumoniae . A biofilm is an aggregate of microorganisms attached to an inert or living surface by a self-produced exo-polymeric matrix that includes proteins, polysaccharides and extracellular DNA. Bacteria within the biofilm are shielded from antibiotics treatments and host immune responses, making it more difficult to eradicate K. pneumoniae -induced infection. However, the detailed mechanisms of biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae are still not clear. Here, we review the factors involved in the biofilm formation of K. pneumoniae , which might provide new clues to address this clinical challenge.