Association between rmpA and magA Genes and Clinical Syndromes Caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in Taiwan

The association of the magA gene with the hypermucoviscosity phenotype relevant to the pathogenesis of Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess has been reported in Taiwan. Similarly, the rmpA gene, known as a positive regulator of extracapsular polysaccharide synthesis that confers a mucoid phenotype, may be another candidate gene causing hypermucoviscosity. However, the association of rmpA with K. pneumoniae clinical syndromes is unreported. We aimed to investigate the clinical correlation between rmpA and primary Klebsiella abscess, focusing on sites other than the liver.