Klebsiella infection

Description Klebsiella are bact...

Description

Klebsiella are bacteria that can cause a variety of infections. Common Klebsiella infections include community-acquired pneumonia, urinary tract infections and chronic infections of the nose. At times these bacteria can invade the blood stream and cause a life threatening condition called sepsis.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the infection. Some individuals can carry the bacteria on their skin or in their nose and have no symptoms. Individuals with pneumonia may experience high fevers, chills, body aches and cough with blood-tinged sputum. Individuals with urinary tract infections may experience fever, burning with urination, frequent urination, back pain, abdominal pain and nausea/vomiting. Individuals with chronic infections of the sinuses and nasal passages may experience nasal discharge, nasal congestion and headaches. Infections of the blood stream can cause fainting, confusion and death.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. Blood and possibly imaging tests may be performed depending on the symptoms. Ultimately, the diagnosis will be made based on blood, urine or sputum cultures.

Tests:
Blood culture, Complete blood count (CBC), Sputum culture, Urine Culture, X-ray

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Pulmonology, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine

Treatment

The infection is treated with antibiotics. Klebsiella bacteria have become resistant to many of the usual antibiotics. So, initially providers prescribe one or two very strong antibiotics until culture results show which antibiotics are most appropriate. Length of treatment is dependent on the location and extent of the infection.