Klebsiella infection is caused by gram-negative bacteria found in the intestines and on the skin. It can lead to pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and rhinoscleroma. Treatment involves antibiotics and supportive care. Prevention includes handwashing and following infection prevention protocols in hospitals.
Klebsiella infection is a bacterial infection with members of the genus Klebsiella, a group of gram-negative bacteria widely distributed throughout the world. Many healthy individuals carry members of this genus in their intestinal tracts and on their skin, but in immunocompromised people, the bacteria can pose a health risk. Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and a respiratory tract infection known as rhinoscleroma can all be associated with Klebsiella infection.
Most commonly, people develop so-called Klebsiella pneumonia by aspirating the bacteria into their lungs. This is usually seen in older patients with underlying conditions such as alcoholism. Commonly, patients are in the hospital for unrelated reasons and develop Klebsiella infection due to their compromised immune systems. Symptoms can include very high fever, productive cough, fatigue, chills and body aches.
People can also develop infections when these bacteria enter the urinary tract, commonly in association with urinary catheterization. Klebsiella infections of this nature can occur in hospitals and nursing homes, where people may need to be catheterized for a variety of reasons. Additionally, bacteria can colonize the nose and upper respiratory tract, leading to rhinoscleroma, a potentially disfiguring condition.
Treatment for Klebsiella infection involves giving aggressive antibiotics to kill the bacteria while providing supportive care. Some strains are resistant to antibiotics and care should be taken when selecting a drug. A doctor may order a culture to find out which species is responsible and to determine the level of antibiotic resistance. Patients with Klebsiella pneumonia may need to wear a respirator if they are having difficulty breathing due to infection in their lungs. Other supportive care may include providing patients with fluids to keep electrolytes in balance and providing patients with treatment for high fevers as well as aches and pains.
People can reduce their chances of developing a Klebsiella infection by washing their hands thoroughly after using the restroom and before interacting with people who are hospitalized with a serious illness. Hospitals work to prevent infections by maintaining clean conditions, using sterile instruments, and washing patients so microorganisms cannot pass through a hospital ward. These basic measures will limit the opportunities for infectious bacteria to reach patients who are unable to fight them due to the underlying disease. Visitors to hospitals should follow the guidance of doctors and nurses to ensure they are following infection prevention protocols.
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