Klebsiella pneumoniae
| Categorization | |
|---|---|
| Cell Wall: Gram Negative | Shape: Rod |
| Biochemistry: Lactose Fermenter, Indole Negative | |
| Transmission |
|---|
- K. pneumoniae is part of the normal oropharyngeal and normal GI flora in a small proportion of individuals. Generally, those in which pathology arises possess impaired immunity.
| Clinical Consequences |
|---|
- Pneumonia
- Very infrequent cause of community-acquired pneumonia except in alcoholics. Can be a cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia. The resultant pneumonia is rather hemorrhagic and is characterized by expulsion of a red, jelly-like, purulent sputum.
- Urinary Tract Infection:
- UTIs may occur in those with foley catheters.
- Sepsis:
- K. pneumoniae can be a cause of bacteremia and sepsis in hospitalized patients.
| Treatment |
|---|
- Third generation cephalosporins are commonly used although resistance is increasing.