Rapid Diagnostic Breakthrough Simultaneously Detects Resistance and Virulence in Klebsiella Pneumoniae

Antibiotic resistance is a steadily escalating threat to global healthcare, making common infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of severe complications. One of the most concerning pathogens driving this trend is Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium that can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and sepsis, particularly in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. The growing emergence of strains that are both multidrug-resistant and highly virulent has made timely and accurate diagnosis increasingly difficult. Researchers have now developed a diagnostic approach that can rapidly identify these high-risk strains by simultaneously detecting resistance and virulence, enabling more informed clinical decisions.

The diagnostic system, developed by researchers at Koç University School of Medicine (Istanbul, Turkey), targets the genetic markers responsible for antibiotic resistance alongside those linked to increased pathogenicity. Unlike existing methods, which typically assess resistance and virulence in separate and time-consuming tests, the new approach captures both characteristics simultaneously. This integrated strategy allows clinicians to quickly understand not only whether a strain is drug resistant, but also how aggressively it is likely to cause disease.

Image: Researcher Fusun Can (at left) is developing a test for detecting both resistance and virulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae (Photo courtesy of Koç University)

The diagnostic method was developed and validated through laboratory-based molecular analyses of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains associated with severe clinical outcomes. The system reliably identified genetic signatures linked to multidrug resistance and hypervirulence in a single test. The research was recognized with the 2025 Nature MDx Impact Award, underscoring its scientific originality and strong potential for real-world clinical use. The findings demonstrate that combining resistance and virulence detection can significantly shorten the time to actionable results.

Rapid identification of highly resistant and virulent bacteria is critical for improving patient outcomes, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, and strengthening infection-control measures in hospitals. By enabling earlier, targeted treatment, the diagnostic tool may help lower mortality risk and limit the spread of dangerous strains. In addition to diagnostics, the research also supports broader efforts to understand how Klebsiella pneumoniae evades the immune system. These insights could inform the development of new therapeutic strategies, including future drug discovery approaches supported by artificial intelligence.

“Virulent strains are more invasive and present more severe clinical pictures,” said Fusun Can, lead researcher. “We can’t fight tomorrow’s threats with yesterday’s tools. Molecular tests are important for rapid diagnosis.”

Related Links:
Koç University School of Medicine