Evaluate the Role of Klebsiella pneumoniae in an Animal Model for Systemic Analysis of Serum Interleukin [IL-6, IL-18 and IL-23] and Chemokines [CCL-5 and CCL-11]

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important opportunistic pathogen associated with implant-related and healthcare-associated infections, where early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. This study investigated the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by carbapenem-susceptible and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae and evaluated the associated inflammatory response in a murine model of implant-associated infection. Bacterial VOCs were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and their dynamic production was monitored over 24 h. A subcutaneous mouse infection model was established to determine serum levels of IL-6, IL-18, IL-23, CCL-5, and CCL-11 using multiplex immunoassays. GC–MS analysis identified several characteristic VOCs, including 2-heptanone, 2-pentene, 3-methylbutanal, benzaldehyde, 3-methylbutyl acetate, methacrolein, mercaptoacetone, and 2-phenylfuran, with three distinct release patterns observed during bacterial growth. Mice with bacteria-implant infections exhibited significantly higher serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-18, IL-23, CCL-5, and CCL-11 than animals with sterile implants or bacterial infection alone (P < 0.05), indicating a pronounced inflammatory response associated with bacterial colonization of implants. These findings demonstrate that VOC profiling, combined with inflammatory cytokine and chemokine analysis, provides valuable biomarkers for the early diagnosis and monitoring of K. pneumoniae implant-associated infections and may contribute to improved clinical management and therapeutic intervention.