Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative bacterium within the Enterobacteriaceae family that can cause multiple systemic infections, such as respiratory, blood, liver abscesses and urinary systems. Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat and K. pneumoniae warrants special attention due to its resistance to most modern day antibiotics. Biofilm formation is a critical obstruction that enhances the antibiotic resistance of K. pneumoniae. However, knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation and its relation with antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae 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 K. pneumoniae, 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.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical ventilation and surfactants are the standard treatment of preterm respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The effects of the primary ventilation model on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and long-term neurodevelopment outcomes are controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation plus pressure support ventilation (SIMV-PSV) in preterm infants with severe RDS. METHODS: A total of 366 eligible preterm infants were randomly assigned to treatment with HFOV ( n = 184) or SIMV-PSV ( n = 182). Surfactant was applied if P aO ₂ /F IO ₂ was < 200 mm Hg after 2 hours of ventilation. Primary outcomes were mortality or incidence of BPD. Secondary outcomes were duration of ventilation and hospitalization, surfactant requirements, pneumothorax, retinopathy of prematurity ≥ stage 2, and neurodevelopment at 18 months of corrected age. RESULTS: Survival and complete outcome data were available for 288 infants at 18 months of corrected age. The incidence of death or BPD was significantly higher in the SIMV-PSV group ( P = .001). The duration of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization was shorter and the incidence of surfactant requirement and retinopathy of prematurity was lower in the HFOV group ( P < .001, P = .002, P = .04, respectively). Moderate or severe neurological disability was less frequent in the HFOV group than in the SIMV-PSV group at 18 months ( P = .03). The combination of HFOV and surfactant dramatically reduced negative outcomes in preterm infants with severe RDS. CONCLUSIONS: Initial ventilation with HFOV in preterm infants with severe RDS reduces the incidence of death and BPD, and improves long-term neurodevelopment outcomes. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01496508)

Akkermansia muciniphila is a gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human gut, making up 3–5% of the human microbiome. A. muciniphila is a promising next-generation probiotic with clinical application prospects. Emerging studies have reported various beneficial effects of A. muciniphila including anti-cancer, delaying aging, reducing inflammation, improving immune function, regulating nervous system function, whereas knowledge on its roles and mechanism in infectious disease is currently unclear. In this review, we summarized the basic characteristics, genome and phenotype diversity, the influence of A. muciniphila and its derived components on infectious diseases, such as sepsis, virus infection, enteric infection, periodontitis and foodborne pathogen induced infections. We also provided updates on mechanisms how A. muciniphila protects intestinal barrier integrity and modulate host immune response. In summary, we believe that A. muciniphila is a promising therapeutic probiotic that may be applied for the treatment of a variety of infectious diseases.