Maria Irina Fediuc

Dr. Maria Irina Fediuc


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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20 February 2026 in Pathogens
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SLStefan Dragos Lazar
Stefan Dragos Lazar
ENElena Nedu
Elena Nedu
ANAdina Alexandra Nanu
Adina Alexandra Nanu
MFMaria Irina Fediuc
Maria Irina Fediuc
MMMaria Alexandra Malciolu-Nica
Maria Alexandra Malciolu-Nica
Simin-Aysel FlorescuSimin-Aysel Florescu
Simin-Aysel Florescu
Introduction: Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) is an emerging global pathogen that causes severe liver abscesses and metastatic infections. Despite rising concerns regarding multidrug-resistant convergence, molecular data in Romania remain limited. This study characterizes the epidemiological, clinical, and genomic profiles of hvKp liver abscesses in a tertiary hospital, aiming to describe the local virulence landscape and inform clinical management. Results: This study characterizes 15 cases of hvKp liver abscesses in a tertiary hospital. The cohort was predominantly male, with high rates of type 2 diabetes. Although clinical presentation was severe, featuring complications like endogenous endophthalmitis, the outcomes following prolonged antibiotic therapy were generally favorable. Phenotypically, 93.3% of isolates retained a wild-type susceptible profile, while a single ESBL-positive case highlighted the risk of resistance convergence. Genomic sequencing confirmed the presence of the ST23-K1 pandemic lineage carrying key virulence determinants (rmpA, iuc, and peg-344). Crucially, cgMLST analysis revealed genetic heterogeneity, suggesting sporadic community acquisition rather than a clonal nosocomial outbreak. Conclusions: These findings represent the first detailed molecular description of hvKp in Romania, confirming the local circulation of high-risk ST23 clones and underscoring the necessity for early detection and surveillance.