Genetic insights unveil the virulence plasmid-transfer mechanisms and the epidemiology of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae causing infections in Vietnam Â¬
In this study, we investigated the prevalence and the epidemiological trajectories of hvKp causing bloodstream infections in Vietnam over a 10-year period. Using whole genome sequencing, we were able to determine the population structure and temporal dynamics of hvKp, with a particularly focus on the CG23-ST23 clones. Genomic and phylogenetic analysis revealed insights into the evolution, main reservoirs and transmission routes of these pathogens, particularly of convergent strains within the population. Additionally, we performed both in silico/in vitro experiments and plasmid genomic analyses to identify the genetic structure and transfer mechanism underlying the succesful transmission of the non-conjugative/hybrid plasmids associated with virulence factors in hvKp Vietnamese population.