AUTHOR=Li Lifeng , Gao Xueyan , Li Mingchao , Liu Yuchun , Ma Jiayue , Wang Xiaolei , Yu Zhidan , Cheng Weyland , Zhang Wancun , Sun Huiqing , Song Xiaorui , Wang Zhaobao 

TITLE=Relationship between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae and updates on antibiofilm therapeutic strategies

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

VOLUME=14

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2024.1324895

DOI=10.3389/fcimb.2024.1324895

ISSN=2235-2988

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Klebsiella pneumoniae</italic> is a Gram-negative bacterium within the <italic>Enterobacteriaceae</italic> family that can cause multiple systemic infections, such as respiratory, blood, liver abscesses and urinary systems. Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat and <italic>K. pneumoniae</italic> warrants special attention due to its resistance to most modern day antibiotics. Biofilm formation is a critical obstruction that enhances the antibiotic resistance of <italic>K. pneumoniae</italic>. However, knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation and its relation with antibiotic resistance in <italic>K. pneumoniae</italic> is limited. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation and its correlation with antibiotic resistance is crucial for providing insight for the design of new drugs to control and treat biofilm-related infections. In this review, we summarize recent advances in genes contributing to the biofilm formation of <italic>K. pneumoniae</italic>, new progress on the relationship between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance, and new therapeutic strategies targeting biofilms. Finally, we discuss future research directions that target biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance of this priority pathogen.</p>