Comparative Genomic Analysis Reveals the Emergence of ST-231 and ST-395 Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Associated with the High Transmissibility of blaKPC Plasmids

Conjugative transposons in Gram-negative bacteria have a significant role the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance-conferring genes between bacteria. This study aims to genomically characterize plasmids and conjugative carrying integrons clinical isolates Klebsiella pneumoniae. The genetic composition phenotypic assessment 50 multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae from tertiary-care hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, were investigated. Horizontal transferability was investigated by filter mating conjugation experiments. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) performed determine sequence type (ST), acquired resistome, plasmidome integron-carrying strains. Class 1 detected 96% and, among integron-positive isolates, 18 stains contained variable regions. confirmed successful transfer cells WGS their presence plasmids. Dihydrofolate reductase (dfrA14) most prevalent (34.8%) gene cassette class integrons. MLST analysis predominantly ST-231 ST-395. BlaOXA-232 blaCTX-M-15 frequently carbapenemases beta-lactamases sequenced isolates. highlighted high transmissibility MDR-conferring Therefore, wise use antibiotics adherence effective infection control measures are necessary limit further