Insights into the preventive actions of natural compounds against Klebsiella pneumoniae infections and drug resistance

• Published in: Fitoterapia 2024-03, Vol.173, p.105811, Article 105811
• Main Authors: Saifi, Sana, Ashraf, Anam, Hasan, Gulam Mustafa, Shamsi, Anas, Hassan, Md. Imtaiyaz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative therapies; Anti-microbial; Antibiotic resistance; Klebsiella pneumonia; Lung infections; Natural compounds
• ISSN: 0367-326X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105811

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a type of Gram-negative bacteria that causes a variety of infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound infections, and meningitis. The treatment of K. pneumoniae infection depends on the type of infection and the severity of the symptoms. Antibiotics are generally used to treat K. pneumoniae infections. However, some strains of K. pneumoniae have become resistant to antibiotics. This comprehensive review examines the potential of natural compounds as effective strategies against K. pneumonia infections. The alarming rise in antibiotic resistance underscores the urgent need for alternative therapies. This article represents current research on the effects of diverse natural compounds, highlighting their anti-microbial and antibiofilm properties against K. pneumonia. Notably, compounds such as andrographolide, artemisinin, baicalin, berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, eugenol, mangiferin, piperine, quercetin, resveratrol, and thymol have been extensively investigated. These compounds exhibit multifaceted mechanisms, including disruption of bacterial biofilms, interference with virulence factors, and augmentation of antibiotic effectiveness. Mechanistic insights into their actions include membrane perturbation, oxidative stress induction, and altered gene expression. While promising, challenges such as limited bioavailability and varied efficacy across bacterial strains are addressed. This review further discusses the potential of natural compounds as better alternatives in combating K. pneumonia infection and emphasizes the need for continued research to harness their full therapeutic potential. As antibiotic resistance persists, these natural compounds offer a promising avenue in the fight against K. pneumonia and other multidrug-resistant pathogens. Representing mode of action of different phytochemicals on Klebsiella pneumonia. [Display omitted] •Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative bacteria that causes many infections, including pneumonia, and meningitis.•This review highlights the anti-microbial properties of a variety of natural compounds against K. pneumoniae.•These compounds disrupt bacterial biofilms, interfere with virulence factors, and augmented effectiveness of antibiotics.•These compounds may cauase membrane perturbation, oxidative stress induction, and altered gene expression.•The review underscores the potential of natural compounds as alternatives in combating K. pneumoniae infection.