Klebsiella pneumoniae from fuchka: insights into the genetic diversity, virulence, and antibiogram profile.

Nearly half (46.7%) of street food samples in Bangladesh contained Klebsiella pneumoniae, with 37.5% showing multidrug resistance and high virulence gene prevalence.

• Why it matters: The presence of MDR and virulent K. pneumoniae in widely consumed street food poses a significant public health risk, especially in low-resource settings where food safety practices are limited.
• What they did: Researchers analyzed 90 samples from street food, using culture, PCR, genome sequencing, and biofilm assays to assess prevalence, resistance, virulence, and genetic diversity of K. pneumoniae.
• The result: Findings reveal street food as a reservoir for high-risk, MDR K. pneumoniae strains, emphasizing the need for improved hygiene, surveillance, and integrated One Health strategies to prevent transmission.