🏥 We show that the capsule’s modular architecture enables seamless horizontal transfer with preserved functionality. Specifically, K1 serotype acquisition drives hypermucoviscosity even without rmpA.

We observed minimal transcriptomic changes, minimal fitness costs and convergent adaptation to a specific environment rather than serotype-specific solutions, hinting for capsule locus modularity. 🧬

🦠 We found that capsule production is highly hierarchical, determined by the capsule type and the genetic background independently.

We swapped capsular loci in five different genetic backgrounds of the nosocomial pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae. #phagesky #AMR

🏥 Such heterogeneity is also found in Acinetobacter spp.

Capsule production heterogeneity enables a subpopulation to escape from phages, relevant for phage therapy strategies but also impacting gene flow. 🧬

🦠 Such heterogeneity varies across environment and contributes to increase the strain fitness.

We developed a method to quantify this capsule production heterogeneity in more than 150 Klebsiella spp. strain and found it widespread (mostly in classical strains!). 🕵

🔬Microscopy with India ink staining showed clonal cells make varying amounts of capsule—unlike P. fluorescence’ ON/OFF switch, it’s a continuous phenotype.

Extremely happy and honored to have presented my PhD work at the first ever Klebsiella Symposium #KLEBS2024! 🙌 Huge thanks to the organizing committee, especially @chcrestani.bsky.social and @sylvainbrisse.bsky.social, for such a great event!