Assessing of antibiotic resistance in the phage-plasmids of Klebsiella pneumoniae and its inhibitory compound

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Silme R. S.

GACETA MEDICA DE MEXICO, vol.161, pp.346-357, 2025 (Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 161
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.24875/gmm.25000061
  • Journal Name: GACETA MEDICA DE MEXICO
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, Fuente Academica Plus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals, DIALNET
  • Page Numbers: pp.346-357
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae poses an increasing risk to human health worldwide.

Objectives: Whole-genome sequence data were used to characterize K. pneumoniae phage-plasmids isolated in different countries.

Materials and methods: Sequences of 15 genetically similar phage-plasmids were selected based on BLASTN analysis. Antibiotic resistance genes were screened using ResFinder, PhageAI, PlasmidFinder, PHASTEST, and PhageGE tools. Phage-plasmid sequences were then analyzed for a stable region in the genome using MAUVE analysis, and the protein of this stable region and its candidate inhibitor molecule were analyzed through molecular docking studies.

Results: Several resistance genes were detected in 7 of the 15 phage-plasmids screened. All plasmids had the Salmonella SSU5 prophage. MAUVE analysis indicated a common stable region encoding replication protein A. Molecular docking studies demonstrated that an interaction occurs between replication protein A and a fabimycin derivative.

Conclusion: Fabimycin could be used to control both phage plasmids and their host, which could affect the severity and incidence of K. pneumoniae infections.