Rethinking virulence screening in Klebsiella pneumoniae: a case for a standardised Galleria mellonella infection model

The Lancet Microbe 2026 Open access

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Authors: Katharina Schaufler, Nicola Schmidt, Michael Schwabe, Stefan E. Heiden, Helmut Fickenscher, Pei Yee Woh, Sy Bui Tien, Thirumalaisamy P Velavan, Le Huu Song, Bernd Neumann, Evgeny A. Idelevich, Karsten Becker
+5 more Andi Krumbholz, Kaan Kocer, Sébastien Boutin, Dennis Nurjadi, Elias Eger
DOI: 10.1016/j.lanmic.2026.101421
Cited by: 1
References: 7

Abstract

Genome-based tools such as Kleborate have transformed the classification of Klebsiella pneumoniae by providing structured virulence and resistance scores that align well with major epidemiological and clinical pathotypes.1 These genotypic signatures are now central to surveillance and offer rapid, high-throughput categorisation of isolates. However, phenotypic confirmation of these categories is rarely performed at scale, because murine infection models are resource-intensive, ethically restrictive, and unsuitable for large isolate panels.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Invertebrate Immune Response Mechanisms Antimicrobial agents and applications Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

Publication details

Journal / source
The Lancet Microbe
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
7
Issue
6
Pages
101421–101421
Publication date
1 May 2026
Language
EN