Large-Scale Genomic Epidemiology of Klebsiella pneumoniae Identified Clone Divergence with Hypervirulent Plus Antimicrobial-Resistant Characteristics Causing Within-Ward Strain Transmissions
Na Pei, Yanming Li, Chunjiao Liu, Zijuan Jian, Tianzhu Liang, Yiming Zhong, Wanying Sun, Jingxuan He, Xinyi Cheng, Hongling Li, Xiaole Lei, Xin Liu, Ziqing Deng, Qingxia Liu, Xia Chen, Qun Yan, Karsten Kristiansen, Junhua Li, Wenen Liu
Abstract
The convergence of AMR and acquired virulence posing higher risks to the public is a focusing point. With sufficient genomes and genotypes, we successfully identify the convergence in two subclones, the previously reported CG11-KL64, and the newly reported CG25 cluster 1. The novel finding of the CG25 divergence was not only revealed by the phylogenetic tree but also confirmed by the clinical outcome data and the accessory genome patterns. Moreover, the transmission subclones circulated in two clinically important wards highlights the deficiency of infection control program using conventional methods. Without the assistance of whole-genome sequencing, the transmissions of high-risk clones could not be identified.