| dc.description.abstract | This study analysed the histopathological impact of Klebsiella pneumoniae
infection on the kidneys of Macaca fascicularis, a critical species in biomedical
research. Three naturally infected subjects (IA33900, 190517, and IA3511) were
evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and quantitative metrics.
Histopathological scoring revealed distinct renal damage severity: IA33900
exhibited moderate lesions (score 2), while 190517 and IA3511 showed advanced
necrosis and haemorrhage (score 3). Common findings included tubular
degeneration, vascular congestion, and inflammatory infiltration, consistent with
bacterial cytotoxicity and immune-mediated damage. Strain-specific virulence
factors, such as hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) with LPS and fimbrial
adhesins, exacerbated endothelial injury and microthrombi formation. Chronic
inflammation driven by Th17/Th2-polarized cytokine cascades promoted
interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. Quantitative analysis demonstrated
significant tubular dilatation index (TDI) elevation in infected kidneys (P < 0.001),
correlating with tubular damage, while glomerular/Bowman’s capsule ratios
remained unaffected (P = 0.83). These findings underscore the interplay between
bacterial virulence and host immune dysregulation in renal pathology. The study
highlights the need for targeted therapies addressing microbial eradication and
immune modulation, as well as improved management of K. pneumoniae in SPF
primate colonies to safeguard research integrity. | |
