Carbohydrate competition by Enterobacteriaceae enhances colonization resistance to carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (CR-HvKP) is a growing public health threat due to its virulence and limited treatment options. While prevalent in hospitals, its presence in livestock, particularly pigs, is poorly understood. The gut microbiome provides colonization resistance, but how it restricts CR-HvKP remains unclear. RESULTS: To further elucidate the colonization resistance mechanisms of the gut microbiota against CR-HvKP, we analyzed stool samples from piglets (L), nursery (N), fattening (F), and sows (PS) using microbiome modeling (Micolo) and competition assays. ST290 K. pneumoniae isolated from PS inhibited CR-HvKP via carbohydrate competition, with a pronounced effect observed for sucrose. Niche-specific supplementation with methyl pyruvate was found to partially alleviate this ecological inhibitory effect. CONCLUSIONS: Carbohydrate-based interventions could be explored as potential therapeutic or prophylactic strategies to combat CR-HvKP colonization, thereby potentially improving animal and public health outcomes. Video Abstract.
Source: Microbiome
Authors: Gong Li, Ling Jia, Jie Li, Ang Gao, Xin Chen, Jia-Hui Li, Li-Juan Xia, Shi-Ying Zhou, Yi-Hao Lin, Jin-Tao Yang, Lei Wan, Yu-Zhang He, Ruan-Yang Sun, Hao Ren, Xin-Lei Lian, Dong-Hao Zhao, Xiao-Ping Liao, Ya-Hong Liu, Liang Chen, Jian Sun
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Medicine
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,990
Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, Foundation for Innovative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Food Nutrition and Human Health (111 Center)
OpenAlex ID: W4417321348