Klebsiella pneumoniae <scp>l-</scp> Fucose Metabolism Promotes Gastrointestinal Colonization and Modulates Its Virulence Determinants
Andrew W. Hudson, Andrew J. Barnes, Andrew S. Bray, David A. Ornelles, M. Ammar Zafar
Abstract
operon provides K. pneumoniae. We further show that fucose metabolism allows K. pneumoniae to be competitive with a commensal Escherichia coli isolate (Nissle). However, Nissle is eventually able to outcompete K. pneumoniae, suggesting that it can be utilized to enhance CR. Finally, we observed that fucose metabolism positively modulates hypermucoviscosity, autoaggregation, and biofilm formation but not capsule biogenesis. Together, these insights enhance our understanding of the role of alternative carbon sources in K. pneumoniae gut colonization and the complex relationship between metabolism and virulence in this species.
Topics & Concepts
BiologyMicrobiologyFucoseColonizationKlebsiella pneumoniaeVirulenceColonisation resistanceGut floraMucinEscherichia coliImmunologyBiochemistryGalactoseGeneAntibiotic Resistance in BacteriaMycobacterium research and diagnosisProbiotics and Fermented Foods