Klebsiella pneumonia is a type of bacterial pneumonia caused by infection with the Klebsiella pneumoniae bacterium, a gram-negative bacteria which is typically carried in fecal material and ingested through accidental aspiration or exposure to contaminated medical instruments. This bacterial infection is usually opportunistic, meaning that it appears in patients who are already battling an existing medical problem or infection, and it can be very dangerous for some patients.
When someone develops klebsiella pneumonia, he or she experiences flu-like symptoms including aching, chills, and fever. Infected patients also develop a cough, producing a distinctive jelly-like red sputum which is indicative of klebsiella infection. The bacteria can become quite aggressive, causing the lungs to develop abscesses of pus, and the lungs may also become filled with fluid as a result of infection. The patient usually experiences significant difficulty breathing as the bacteria colonize the lungs.
For doctors, klebsiella pneumonia presents two challenges. The first is that the bacterium is antibiotic resistant in many cases, and it may take several courses of antibiotics to find a drug which will effectively fight the bacterium. Culturing the infection to test for antibiotic resistance can reduce time spent testing useless medications, but it can also become costly and time consuming. The second issue is that in the case of opportunistic infection, the strain on the body from the underlying medical condition and the pneumonia can be very great, and the patient may experience serious complications which could lead to death.
The Klebsiella bacterium does not just attack the lungs. It can also cause infections in the urinary tract and in wounds, especially in hospital environments, where immunocompromised patients may be at risk of exposure to the bacteria. Klebsiella infection can also lead to bacteremia, a condition in which bacteria is present in the blood.
Diabetics, alcoholics, and immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk of developing klebsiella pneumonia. The condition may start as bronchitis or a mild respiratory infection, which is one reason why it is important to receive medical treatment for such conditions before they develop into something more serious.
Because klebsiella pneumonia often presents in patients who are hospitalized, the symptoms are usually recognized early, allowing medical providers to provide a rapid intervention which may give the patient a better chance at survival. The rise of hospital-acquired infections is a serious concern worldwide, and numerous hospitals are developing new policies and techniques to combat this trend.