What is Klebsiella pneumoniae disease?
What is Klebsiella pneumoniae disease?
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacterium that normally lives inside human intestines, where it doesn’t cause disease. But if K. pneumoniae gets into other areas of the body, it can lead to a range of illnesses, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, meningitis, and urinary tract infections.
What is the common name for Klebsiella pneumoniae?
Klebsiella pneumoniae, also called Friedländer’s bacillus, was first described in 1882 by German microbiologist and pathologist Carl Friedländer. K. pneumoniae is best known as a pathogen of the human respiratory system that causes pneumonia.
Is Klebsiella an infection?
Klebsiella bacteria without capsules are less infectious than those with capsules. Humans are the primary carriers of K. pneumoniae in the environment, but most people will not develop an infection. People with weakened immune systems, due to medications or medical conditions, have a higher risk.
What is the definition of community acquired pneumonia?
Community-acquired pneumonia is defined as pneumonia that is acquired outside the hospital. The most commonly identified pathogens are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, atypical bacteria (ie, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella species), and viruses.
Where is Klebsiella found?
Klebsiella bacteria are normally found in the human intestines (where they do not cause disease). They are also found in human stool (feces). In healthcare settings, Klebsiella infections commonly occur among sick patients who are receiving treatment for other conditions.
What is the difference between pneumonia and community-acquired pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a type of lung infection. It can cause breathing problems and other symptoms. In community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), you get infected in a community setting. It doesn’t happen in a hospital, nursing home, or other healthcare center.
How dangerous is Klebsiella pneumoniae?
But klebsiella pneumoniae can be dangerous if they get into other parts of your body, especially if you’re already sick. They can turn into “superbugs” that are almost impossible to fight with common antibiotics. The germs can give you pneumonia, infect your wound or blood, and cause other serious problems.
What is the prognosis of Klebsiella pneumonia?
Prognosis Prognosis . The prognosis for individuals with a Klebsiella infection is influenced by the health status of the patient, the site of the initial infection, and the particular strain of Klebsiella involved. Uncomplicated cases of Klebsiella infections that are not drug-resistant can be treated with antibiotics.
What is the best antibiotic for Klebsiella pneumoniae?
The University of California at San Diego’s Medical School lists fluoroquinolone antibiotics as a current option for Klebsiella treatment. This class of medications includes levafloxacin–Levaquin, ciprofloxacin–Cipro, gemifloxacin–Factive and others.
