Host adaptation and convergent evolution increases antibiotic resistance without loss of virulence in a major human pathogen.

ABSTRACT: As human population density and antibiotic exposure increase, specialised bacterial subtypes have begun to emerge. Arising among species that are common commensals and infrequent pathogens, antibiotic-resistant 'high-risk clones' have evolved to better survive in the modern human. Here, we show that the major matrix porin (OmpK35) of Klebsiella pneumoniae is not required in the mammalian host for colonisation, pathogenesis, nor for antibiotic resistance, and that it is commonly absent in pathogenic isolates. This is found in association with, but apparently independent of, a highly specific change in the co-regulated partner porin, the osmoporin (OmpK36), which provides enhanced antibiotic resistance without significant loss of fitness in the mammalian host. These features are common in we

SUBMITTER: Fajardo-Lubian A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6436753 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature