Klebsiella pneumoniae
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Klebsiella pneumoniae
Classification
Higher order taxa
Domain: Bacteria;
Phylum: Proteobacteria;
Class: Gammaproteobacteria;
Order: Enterobacteriales;
Family: Enterobacteriaceae;
Genus: Klebsiella;
Species: K. pneumoniae
Species
Klebsiella pneumoniae
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Description and significance
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.
K. pneumoniae is pathogenic and is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and hands of hospital personnel. (3) Another site on the human body that this bacteria can be found is the nasopharynx. Its habitat is not limited to humans but is ubiquitous to the ecological environment. This includes surface water, sewage, and soil. (4)
Genome structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?
The complete genome was determined in 2006 at the Genome Sequencing Center at Washington University in St. Louis. The genome was named Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae MGH 78578. It includes one chromosome of 5.3 Mbp. There are five plasmids, pKPN3, pKPN4, pKPN5, pKPN6, and pKPN7. Respectively, each plasmid length is 0.18 Mbp, 0.11 Mbp, 0.089 Mbp, 0.0043 Mbp, and 0.0035 Mbp. The DNA is circular. The sequence of K. pneumoniae genome was found to be closely related that of Escherichia coli K-12. (1)
Cell structure and metabolism
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
In 1992, K. pneumoniae could be determined apart from other species of Klebsiella. Two oligonucleotide probes and the hydroxylated fatty acid C14:0-2OH were distinctive of K. pneumoniae. (2)
Ecology
Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.
Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Application to Biotechnology
Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?
Current Research
Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required
References
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen
