Klebsiella pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that will harmlessly reside in the mouth, skin, and intestines. However, when it transfers to other parts of the body, it can cause a range of health-associated infections such as;
- Meningitis
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Liver abscess
- Pneumonia
- Bloodstream infections
- Wound or surgical site infections
The Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria can infect the lungs, liver, brain, eyes, blood, wounds, and bladder.
Klebsiella pneumoniae gram stain
It is a gram-negative, non-motile, encapsulated, lactose-fermenting, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium that appears as a mucoid lactose fermenter on MacConkey agar.
- Wounds
- Breathing machines and ventilators
- Intravenous catheters
- Urinary catheters
Klebsiella pneumoniae infections are contagious, but not airborne.
Symptoms
The part of the body that the bacteria infects determines the symptoms. The symptoms could resemble other symptoms of bacterial infections. A doctor will perform tests to rule if the K. pneumoniae bacteria is responsible for an infection.
Let’s look at the individual symptoms of urinary tract infections, blood infection, liver abscess, pneumonia, meningitis, endophthalmitis, or skin infections — all of which can result from K. pneumoniae.
Klebsiella Pneumoniae Urinary Tract Infections
If K. pneumoniae gets into the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys- all parts of the urinary tract- it can cause a urinary tract infection.
Some of the common symptoms of Klebsiella pneumoniae UTIs are:
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Back and pelvic region pain
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation and pain when urinating
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Strong smelling urine
- Passing little amount of urine
If the UTI infection is in the kidneys, you might also experience chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the upper back and side.
Pneumonia
By entering the respiratory tract, K. pneumoniae can cause Bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae or infection of the lungs.
Pneumonia symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Yellow or cloudy mucus
- Fever
- Chills
Klebsiella Pneumoniae Diagnosis
Doctors make K. pneumoniae infection diagnosis after examining samples of infected tissue, sputum, blood, and urine. In other cases, imaging tests like ultrasounds, X-rays, or CT scans may be required.
Klebsiella Pneumoniae Treatment
K. pneumoniae infections are treated using a class of antibiotics called carbapenems. However, there are some strains of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.
If the bacteria have developed antibiotic resistance, your doctor will order tests to determine how sensitive the bacteria are to specific antibiotics, to find the best treatment option.
Sometimes, a doctor may prescribe a combination of antibiotics colistin, meropenem, and tigecycline for people with Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia.
Klebsiella pneumoniae UTI treatment medications are oral quinolones or with intravenous aminoglycosides, imipenem, aztreonam, third-generation cephalosporins, or tazobactam/piperacillin taken in 14-21 days. The intravenous agents are stopped when the fever subsides.
For pneumonia from K. pneumoniae patients, doctors may recommend a 2-week treatment with third- or fourth-generation cephalosporin, a fluoroquinolone, or one of these antibiotics in combination with an aminoglycoside.
If you are allergic to penicillin you can be given a course of aztreonam or a quinolone by your doctor.
Prognosis And Recovery
K. pneumoniae infections prognosis vary by age, type of infection, the strain of the bacteria, the severity of the infection, and the overall health status of the person.
Early diagnosis and treatment will enhance your prognosis. You should also ensure you take your full course of antibiotics, and attend any follow-up appointments with the doctor.
Hygienic Precautions
Good hygiene is the best way to prevent K. pneumoniae infections. Since the bacteria spread through person-to-person contact, wash your hands to avoid spreading the bacteria.
What you should do;
- Hospital staff should wear gloves and gowns when handling people with K. pneumoniae infections.
- Hospital staff should wash their hands after touching hospital surfaces.
- Wash your hands after using the bathroom
- Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing
- Wash your hands before touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Wash your hands before and after preparing or eating food.
When to see a doctor
If you notice any sign of infection, you must seek medical attention immediately because K. pneumoniae infections can spread throughout the body quickly.
Outlook
Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is typically non-pathogenic. Although the bacteria live in your intestines and excrement, they can be harmful to other parts of your body. Klebsiella can infect your lungs, bladder, brain, liver, eyes, blood, and wounds, causing severe illnesses. Your symptoms are determined by the type of infection. Person-to-person interaction is how the virus spreads. If you are ill, your risk increases. Klebsiella infections are rare in healthy people. Antibiotics are required if you are infected with K. pneumoniae. Some strains are drug-resistant, but your doctor can identify which antibiotic will be most effective. Although recovery can take several months, receiving therapy as soon as possible will enhance your prognosis.
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