Klebsiella is a genus of non-motile, Gram-negative, oxidase-negative, rod-shaped bacteria with a prominent polysaccharide-based capsule. It is known for causing pneumonia (Klebsiella pneumonia), bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis. These infections primarily occur in healthcare settings among patients receiving treatment for other conditions, especially those using devices like ventilators or intravenous catheters, or those on prolonged courses of certain antibiotics. Healthy individuals typically do not contract Klebsiella infections.
Transmission of Klebsiella requires the bacteria to enter the respiratory tract to cause pneumonia or the bloodstream to cause a bloodstream infection. In healthcare settings, it can spread from person to person or, less commonly, through environmental contamination. The bacteria do not spread through the air.
Klebsiella organisms are frequent human pathogens, causing pneumonia, urinary tract infections, septicemia, and soft tissue infections. They are also implicated in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis and other spondyloarthropathies. Pathogenic varieties of Klebsiella are grouped into two antigenic groups: the O antigen with nine varieties and the K antigen with over 80 varieties. Klebsiella is increasingly reported as a nosocomial infection, second only to E. coli in causing urinary tract infections in women. Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen, particularly in older patients with weakened immune systems, causing nosocomial pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, and intestinal pathology. It resides in the intestinal tract of about 40% of humans and animals. Klebsiella bacteria have increasingly developed antimicrobial resistance, especially to carbapenems. Normally found in the human intestines and stool, Klebsiella does not cause disease in these environments.
Treatment for Klebsiella infections should be based on antibiotic sensitivity results. For those seeking an herbal alternative, the Freedom, Cleanse, Restore protocol is recommended. To prevent Klebsiella infections, avoid exposure to the bacteria via respiratory or blood routes in hospital or healthcare settings.
Klebsiella sp.
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