Abstract
BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Klebsiella pneumoniae is a critical public health concern and an established ESKAPE (E. faecium, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) pathogen. Mounting incidence of MDR K. pneumoniae is worrisome across the globe. K. pneumoniae is an established ubiquitous pathogen and associated with various infections in a wide range of hosts. METHODS: The peer reviewed findings with given problem statements were thoroughly studied through literature review technique. Multiple antibiotic-resistance genes and virulence genes across various Klebsiella species were studied to explore their evolutionary dynamics and genetic diversity. RESULTS: Population dynamics revealed that the clonal group (CG) 258 and CG 14 are considered as global disseminated clones. The genome size (5.7 Mbps) of K. pneumoniae is reported to be larger than the other Enterobacteriaceae which allows K. pneumoniae to survive in diverse geographical niches. It has adequate resistome and virulence machinery to evade the host immune system and establish the infection. Due to the emergence of resistant variants K. pneumoniae needs appropriate alternative control measures. CONCLUSION: The current review described the characteristics features of K. pneumoniae which are the key players in making this organism a credential pathogen. Additionally, it would be instructive and underpin the molecular insights that may aid in restraining this pathogen.