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Genetic research

Genetic Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae in Bovine Mastitis Milk in South Korea

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research published in the journal Microbiology Spectrum revealed significant genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance among Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from bovine mastitis milk in South Korea. The study found 29 strains, with 23 sequence types, including four novel ones, indicating substantial genetic heterogeneity. The strains showed high resistance rates to tetracycline (34.5%) and sulfisoxazole (31.0%), with multidrug resistance observed in 20.7% of isolates. The analysis also revealed the presence of multiple virulence genes and robust biofilm formation in the isolates. The findings highlight the need for continued surveillance and characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae to support mastitis control and protect public health.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study isolated 29 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains from bovine mastitis milk in South Korea between 2017 and 2023.
  • The strains showed substantial genetic heterogeneity, with 23 sequence types, including four novel ones.
  • The highest resistance rates were observed for tetracycline (34.5%) and sulfisoxazole (31.0%).
  • Multidrug resistance was noted in 20.7% of isolates.
  • Virulence gene analysis revealed that most isolates carried the rmpA, ireA, and fim2 genes.
  • Biofilm formation was observed in over 89.0% of cases, indicating potential for persistence and treatment challenges.
  • The study highlights the need for continued surveillance and characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae to support mastitis control and protect public health.
  • The research was conducted by Ju-Yeon You and colleagues from the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency.

Statistics:

  • 29 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were isolated from bovine mastitis milk in South Korea.
  • The strains showed 23 sequence types, including four novel ones.
  • The highest resistance rates were observed for tetracycline (34.5%) and sulfisoxazole (31.0%).
  • Multidrug resistance was observed in 20.7% of isolates.
  • Biofilm formation was observed in over 89.0% of cases.
  • The study was published in the journal Microbiology Spectrum in 2025.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Klebsiella pneumoniae Data Have Been Reported by Researchers at Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (Genetic diversity, virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm formation of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from bovine mastitis ...). Agriculture Week. October 16, 2025; p 340.
  • Microbiology Spectrum. Genetic diversity, virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm formation of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from bovine mastitis milk in South Korea. 2025.

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