Genomic Characterisation of Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence of Animal-Derived Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Germany, and Description of a Hypervirulent Strain.

Background/

Objectives

Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae is a significant pathogen in both humans and animals. However, data on its occurrence in animals in Germany remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes, AMR genes, and virulence traits of animal-derived K. pneumoniae isolates from Germany.

Methods

A total of 59 K. pneumoniae isolates obtained in 2023 from dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and chickens across 11 German federal states were analysed. Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used for genomic characterisation, including detection of AMR genes, virulence-associated genes, sequence types (STs), and plasmid replicons.

Results

Most isolates (78%) were susceptible to all tested antibiotics, while three isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Resistance was most frequently observed for piperacillin (n = 8) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (n = 4). Carbapenem resistance was detected in two isolates (one from a dog and one from a cat), and phenotypic colistin resistance in one dog isolate. WGS identified 96 AMR genes across isolates, with 20-42 AMR determinants per isolate, conferring resistance to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim, and fosfomycin. Ten extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates carried genes including blaCTX-M-15, blaSHV-2, blaSHV-27, blaSHV-42, blaSHV-106, and blaTEM-158. Although fosA was detected in all isolates, only three exhibited phenotypic resistance to fosfomycin. A total of 52 STs were identified, including high-risk clones. One hypervirulent isolate (ST60) carrying hypervirulence-associated genes rmpA and iroB was detected. Plasmid replicons were present in 70% of isolates, while plasmid-associated AMR genes were identified in nine isolates.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the genomic diversity of K. pneumoniae identified in companion animals and highlights the presence of AMR and virulence determinants relevant to a One Health context.