Klebsiella

Gram negative, opportunistic pathogens, implicated in a wide range of diseases and practically ubiquitous in nature. In recent years, the infections they are responsible for have assumed considerable importance, as they are often acquired in healthcare settings.

Infections can spread rapidly among patients hospitalized for other conditions, but the most problematic aspect is the emergence of several multi-resistant strains. Of all the bacteria of the genus Klebsiella, K. pneumoniae And K. oxytoca they are responsible for most human infections. Both species are normally present in the respiratory mucosa and in the intestine, but under certain conditions they can behave as pathogens.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common Gram-negative bacteria found by doctors around the world. Primary pneumonia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae it is difficult to control and the mortality rate can be as high as 50%, regardless of treatment.

In humans, bacteria Klebsiella they can infect the urinary or respiratory tract, intravenous catheters used to deliver drugs or fluids, burns, surgical wounds or blood circulation. The spectrum of clinical syndromes caused by this bacterium include pneumonia, bacteremia, thrombophlebitis, urinary tract infections, cholecystitis, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, wound infections, osteomyelitis, and meningitis.