Klebsiella aerogenes is a multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen that poses significant challenges due to its ability to form persister cells... Show moreKlebsiella aerogenes is a multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen that poses significant challenges due to its ability to form persister cells that evade antibiotic treatment and contribute to chronic infections. This study explored the relationship between respiratory complexes and persister cell formation, focusing on NDH-2, NQR, and cytochrome oxidases. The research used a combination of wild-type and mutant strains, along with respiratory inhibitors and antibiotics, to identify key metabolic pathways influencing persister survival.The results revealed that NDH-2 plays a pivotal role in persister cell formation, with NDH-2 mutants demonstrating a significant reduction in persister populations over time. Comparative analysis of respiratory mutants highlighted differential reliance on oxidative phosphorylation, with NDH-2 being essential for maintaining energy metabolism during stress. In contrast, mutants lacking NQR or nuo complexes exhibited slower colony count declines, suggesting a shift to low-energy states that mimic persister characteristics.
These findings emphasize the critical role of the respiratory chain, particularly NDH-2, in bacterial persistence and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target. By disrupting energy metabolism, it may be possible to eradicate persister cells and reduce the recurrence of infections caused by K. aerogenes, providing a promising avenue for combating multidrug-resistant pathogens. Show less
