Klebsiella bacteria are usually found in the colon and aid digestion, but can cause serious health problems if they invade other organs. K. pneumoniae is the most common pathogen and can cause lung infections. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, as the bacteria can be highly resistant to antibiotics. Most people make a full recovery with immediate treatment.
Klebsiella bacteria are a very common genus of bacteria that thrive in humans. Normally, there are large concentrations of this bacteria living in the colon which are beneficial for normal digestion. The bacteria can cause serious health problems, however, if some strains invade other organs and organ systems outside the digestive tract. Infections are more likely to occur in a hospital or other environment where large groups of people are in close contact. Treating a Klebsiella bacterial infection immediately with high-strength antibiotics is essential to prevent life-threatening complications and reduce the risk of an outbreak.
Several different species of Klebsiella bacteria can cause infections in humans, but the most common pathogen is K. pneumoniae, which affects the lungs and airways. K. pneumoniae can enter the respiratory tract if it is present on an unsterilized breathing tube, a doctor’s hands or gloves, or unwashed bedding. The bacteria quickly attach themselves to the lining of the air sacs in the lungs and induce severe inflammation, swelling, and eventual tissue death. An infected person may have chest tightness, shortness of breath, a clammy and bloody cough, and extreme tiredness.
Other common strains of this bacteria, including K. oxytoca, can also damage the lungs. Infections can also develop at the site of surgical skin wounds or in the urinary tract. Skin infections typically become red, itchy, sore, and swollen within hours. Urinary tract problems include blood in the urine stream and frequent, painful urination. Rarely, bacteria that reach the bloodstream can enter the circulation and cause potentially life-threatening heart, kidney, and brain complications.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent fatal outcomes of Klebsiella bacterial infections. A doctor may collect sputum, blood, and urine samples for laboratory testing. Culture samples from laboratory personnel to confirm the presence of Klebsiella and identify the particular strain involved. Once the diagnosis is made, the patient is quarantined and given intravenous antibiotic treatment. The bacteria can be highly resistant to common antibiotics, including penicillin, so two or more drugs are usually given at a time until doctors find an effective combination.
Most people who receive immediate treatment are able to make a full recovery in one to four weeks. Additional treatments, such as oxygen therapy and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, are provided in emergency situations to stabilize breathing. Individuals are typically kept in quarantine rooms until completely symptom-free; they are then normally sent home with a supply of oral antibiotics. Follow-up visits are important to confirm that the bacteria have been completely eradicated.
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