Advances in research on epidemiological characteristics, virulence evolution and drug resistance of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) is a highly pathogenic pathogen that is more virulent than classic Klebsiella pneumoniae (cKP) and often leads to severe disseminated infections. The horizontal transfer of virulence plasmids and carbapenem-resistant genes in hvKP through plasmids and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) has led to the emergence of carbapenem-resistant (CR)-hvKP, posing a serious threat to public health. A deep understanding of the epidemiological characteristics, pathogenic mechanisms and convergence of virulence and drug resistance in hvKP is crucial for preventing and monitoring infections caused by this bacterium.