Ivana Jurić

Ivana Jurić


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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19 June 2025 in Pathogens
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IJIvana Jurić
Ivana Jurić
MJMarko Jelić
Marko Jelić
MMManda Markanović
Manda Markanović
LKLucija Kanižaj
Lucija Kanižaj
ZBZrinka Bošnjak
Zrinka Bošnjak
IMIvana Mareković
Ivana Mareković
(1) Background: CRISPR-Cas systems provide adaptive immunity against mobile genetic elements (MGEs) carrying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. Carbapenem-resistant (CR) Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major public health concern, and the role of CRISPR-Cas in its resistance is understudied. This study explored CRISPR-Cas associations with multidrug resistance in clinical K. pneumoniae. (2) Methods: 400 K. pneumoniae isolates (200 CR and 200 carbapenem susceptible (CS)) were analyzed. Carbapenemase genes (blaOXA-48, blaNDM-1, blaKPC-2), cas1, rpoB, and CRISPR1-3 loci were identified by PCR, while only CRISPR loci were sequenced. Genetic relatedness was assessed via PFGE, MLST, and spacer analysis. Statistical analysis utilized chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. (3) Results: CRISPR-Cas was present in 15.8% of isolates, mainly subtypes I-E and I-E* (93.3%), with CRISPR3 loci showing the greatest spacer diversity. Clonal complexes ST14/15/101 (CR) and ST35 (CS) were identified. blaOXA-48 was linked to CRISPR-Cas-negative strains, while blaNDM-1 and blaKPC-2 were more frequent in CRISPR-Cas-positive strains (p < 0.0001). Imipenem/relebactam resistance was higher in CRISPR-Cas-negative isolates. (4) Conclusions: K. pneumoniae CRISPR-Cas systems correlate with specific carbapenemase profiles, suggesting pressure against blaOXA-48 acquisition. The coexistence of I-E and I-E* subtypes highlight synergies in targeting MGEs. CRISPR loci could be tools for subtyping organisms following MLST.