Epidemiology and genomic analysis of Klebsiella oxytoca from a single hospital network in Australia

Background Infections caused by Klebsiella oxytoca are the second most common cause of Klebsiella infections in humans. Most studies have focused on K. oxytoca outbreaks and few have examined the broader clinical context of K. oxytoca. Methods Here, we collected all clinical isolates identified as K. oxytoca in a hospital microbiological diagnostic lab across a 15-month period (n = 239). Whole genome sequencing was performed on a subset of 92 isolates (all invasive, third-generation cephalosporin resistant (3GCR) and non-urinary isolates collected > 48 h after admission), including long-read sequencing on a further six isolates with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase or carbapenemase genes. Results The majority of isolates were sensitive to antimicrobials, however 22 isolates were 3GCR, of which five were also carbapenem resistant. Genomic analyses showed those identified as K. oxytoca by the clinical laboratory actually encompassed four distinct species (K. oxytoca, Klebsiella michiganensis, Klebsiella grimontii and Klebsiella pasteurii), referred to as the K. oxytoca species complex (KoSC). There was significant diversity within the population, with only 10/67 multi-locus sequence types (STs) represented by more than one isolate. Strain transmission was rare, with only one likely event identified. Six isolates had extended spectrum beta-lactamase (bla(SHV-12) and/or bla(CTX-M-9)) or carbapenemase (bla(IMP-4)) genes. One pair of K. michiganensis and K. pasteurii genomes carried identical bla(IMP-4) IncL/M plasmids, indicative of plasmid transmission. Conclusion Whilst antimicrobial resistance was rare, the resistance plasmids were similar to those found in other Enterobacterales, demonstrating that KoSC has access to the same plasmid reservoir and thus there is potential for multi-drug resistance. Further genomic studies are required to improve our understanding of the KoSC population and facilitate investigation into the attributes of successful nosocomial isolates.

Automated summary

This study collected 239 clinical isolates of Klebsiella oxytoca from a hospital and found that they actually encompassed four different species, demonstrating significant diversity. Although antimicrobial resistance was rare, the resistance plasmids were similar to those found in other Enterobacterales, indicating potential for multi-drug resistance.