Klebsiella pneumoniae Infections in Dogs: A One Health Review of Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence Factors, Zoonotic Risk, and Emerging Alternatives
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is increasingly reported in canine medicine, with growing attention to multidrug-resistant (MDR) and hypervirulent strains. Although its overall prevalence in dogs appears relatively low, published studies indicate that affected animals may harbor clinically important resistance determinants, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases and, less frequently, carbapenemases. Canine isolates described in the literature also carry virulence-associated traits such as hypermucoviscosity and enhanced iron-acquisition systems, which overlap with features of high-risk human lineages and suggest potential, but largely inferred, interspecies links. These observations highlight the relevance of a One Health perspective and the importance of coordinated surveillance that includes companion animals. This narrative review synthesizes available literature on the epidemiology, clinical presentations, antimicrobial resistance, virulence traits, and molecular characteristics of K. pneumoniae in dogs. We critically evaluate evidence suggesting that dogs may function as reservoirs, sentinels, or amplifiers of MDR strains, particularly in clinical settings or following antimicrobial exposure. In addition, we summarize emerging alternative and adjunctive strategies-such as bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, anti-virulence approaches, microbiome-based interventions, as well as strengthened antimicrobial stewardship and infection-control practices-that are under…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a review, done in animal, not in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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