'Klebsiella pneumoniae' is a bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia or septicemia, in the hospital setting in people of all ages. Treatment against this bacillus is being compromised around the world due to its growing resistance to antibiotics. So much so that the WHO has classified this bacteria among the species of critical health concern, and of high priority for the development of new antimicrobial strategies. In 2022, more than 45,000 cases of infection with this species were detected in Europe, 15% of which were due to strains resistant to antibiotics used as a last resort. The figure has doubled in the last five years.
Dr. Mireia López Siles, from the University of Girona, leads a team that, in collaboration with the Carlos III Health Institute, is working on the development of a vaccine (KlebsiGene) to prevent these infections. KlebsiGene mainly includes two innovative elements. For one, it targets parts of the bacteria that have not previously been used in other vaccines. These parts play a fundamental role in their survival and are involved in the development of infection by this bacillus, which is why the team hopes that they will provide better protection. On the other hand, it uses a new DNA technology that incorporates elements to stimulate the patient's immune response. The researchers' objective is to demonstrate that the vaccine has the ability to generate an immune response and protect against infection in a Klebsiella pneumoniae sepsis model. Likewise, tests will be carried out to optimize the vaccine formulation.
The vaccine would be aimed at those people at high risk of suffering from a 'Klebsiella pneumoniae' infection. This could include, for example, people who are going to undergo treatment that requires a long hospital stay, patients in the ICU, people who are immunocompromised or with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
