What is Klebsiella pneumoniae?

Klebsiella Pneumoniae bacteria are originally found in the intestines, where they do not cause disease. There are special variants of Klebsiella bacteria such as Oxa-48, though. This variant can break down almost all types of antibiotics as a property. When a person is infected with this variant of Klebsiella bacteria, infection is difficult to treat.

Types of Klebsiella bacteria

In total, there are seven sub-species of the genus Klebsiella. The most important are Klebsiella oxytoca and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Most cases of resistance involve the Oxa-48 variant of the Klebsiella bacteria. Klebsiella in severe cases can cause infections such as:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Wound infections
  • Blood infections
  • Respiratory infections – Bronchitis and pneumonia

Individuals who suffer from disease are more susceptible to getting an infection of Klebsiella. People who suffer from chronic lung disease, are injured, have undergone surgery, have been admitted to a hospital or nursing home fall into the high-risk group.

Infection Klebsiella

The way to get infected primarily is through direct contact of the hands. Therefore, the greatest risk of Klebsiella infection also lies with health care facilities. In healthcare, there are many people with low immunity who are susceptible. In addition, a lot of contact is made by helping with dressing and undressing, wound care and showering. Fortunately, one cannot easily become infected through the air, as Klebsiella bacteria do not spread through the air.