Peptides as a therapeutic strategy against Klebsiella pneumoniae

Increasing levels of resistance to conventional antibiotics have led to a search for new therapeutic options against bacterial infections. Klebsiella pneumoniae is considered a world health problem due to high levels of mortality associated with resistance to multiple antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have showed activity against this bacterium, which makes them a promising alternative in tackling resistance. In this article, we carried out an overview of the recent development of AMPs against K. pneumoniae using different designs and acting by different mechanisms, such as a recently proposed one against capsulated strains. Moreover, we outline AMPs’ therapeutic potential when tested in combination with conventional antibiotics and against biofilms. Furthermore, challenges and perspectives for applying AMPs in clinical practice are discussed here. Antibiotic resistance is a major health problem associated with increased mortality rates.Treatment options have been severely diminished by beta-lactamase and carbapenemase producer bacteria.Klebsiella pneumoniae has been identified as a critical pathogen needing new treatments.Combination therapy has been implemented as a way to reach better bactericidal response.Antimicrobial peptides appear as new molecules to overcome bacterial resistance.