Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) is distinguished from classical K. pneumoniae by its ability to cause community-acquired, invasive infections, such as pyogenic liver abscess and endophthalmitis, even in healthy individuals, whereas the classical form typically leads to opportunistic healthcare-associated infections. Globally, the dominant clone responsible for these hypervirulent invasive infections is K. pneumoniae clonal group 23, which includes sequence type 23.

Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae clones are typically characterized by the presence of capsular serotype K1 and a set of hypervirulence-associated genes, such as ybt, iuc, iro, rmpA, and rmpA2, often encoded on dedicated hypervirulence plasmids. These genetic determinants are central to the hypervirulent phenotype. Although antimicrobial resistance has not traditionally been a hallmark of hvKp, the recent emergence of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae has been increasingly reported worldwide.

This topic showcases cutting-edge research on the mechanisms underlying hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infections, with a particular focus on genetic and molecular factors driving both hypervirulence and antimicrobial resistance.

We welcome the submission of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that contribute to this rapidly evolving and exciting area of microbiology and medicine.

Please contact Dr. Atsushi Togawa, Dr. Anthony R. Tam if you have any questions.

Keywords

• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• invasive infection
• hypervirulence
• genetic and molecular determinants
• antimicrobial resistance