Klebsiella pneumoniae Lipopolysaccharides and Immune Responses

Flashcards based on the findings and key terms from the lecture notes regarding Klebsiella pneumoniae, its lipopolysaccharides and the associated immune responses.

What pathogen is associated with acquiring resistance genes to multiple antibiotics and is studied in this research?

Klebsiella pneumoniae

What are the two prevalent lipopolysaccharide serotypes in multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae strains?

LPS O2a and LPS O2afg

What role do lipopolysaccharides (LPS) play during K. pneumoniae infections?

They can activate immune responses and also evade them.

What immune responses failed to be elicited by the O2afg serotype in human monocytes?

Production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Which inflammatory mediator showed nuclear translocation in monocytes stimulated with LPS O1?

NF-κB (Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells).

What common infections does K. pneumoniae cause after successful colonization?

Pneumonia, liver abscesses, and urinary infections.

What is the estimated mortality rate associated with carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infections?

13.3%.

How does the O2afg serotype of K. pneumoniae affect the inflammatory immune response?

It induces a short-lived inflammatory response, contributing to immune evasion.

What are the key differences in immune response induced by K. pneumoniae LPS serotypes O1 and O2afg?

LPS O1 induces sustained inflammatory responses, while O2afg induces poor inflammatory responses.

What is the significance of macrophages in the context of K. pneumoniae infections?

Macrophages play a critical role in modulating immune response during infections.