Klebsiella Essay

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Klebsiella Pneumoniae
Klebsiella pneumonia is a gram-negative, encapsulated, lactose-fermenting, non-motile, facultative anaerobic, urease positive, indole-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is in the Enterobacteriaceae family (Tufts University, n.d.). Klebsiella is typically found in the nose or mouth, gastrointestinal tract (CDC, 2012). Klebsiella pneumonia was first discovered in 1882 as a pathogen that caused pneumonia (). Klebsiella can cause various types of health-related infections in the bloodstream, wound, and also surgical site infections (CDC, 2012). A common place to become infected with Klebsiella is the hospital settings, while being treated for other illnesses. Patients who get infected this way typically are on a ventilator or intravenous catheters (CDC, 2012). Klebsiella was named after Edwin Klebs, who was a German microbiologist (Obiamiwe, 2013).
Etiological agent (causative agent)
In patients infected with K. pneumonia, inflammatory mechanisms can cause tissue damage that is related with a release of “alarm proteins” (Achouiti, 2012). These alarm proteins are known as the Damage Associated Molecular Patters (DAMPs) and are seen in neutrophils where they potentially affect up to 45 percent of the cytoplasmic protein (Achouiti, 2012). This is harmful because it inhibits the body’s ability to fight the infection, as neutrophils are the body’s natural immunity defense.
Taxonomic Classification
The domain for Klebsiella is Bacteria, it is in the Proteobacteria phylum, Gammaproteobacteria class, Enterobacteriales is the Order, the family is Enterobacteriacaea, the Genus is Klebsiella, and finally the species is Klebsiella pneumonia.
Mode of Transmission
In order for a person to become infected with Klebsiel...

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...proved by the FDA.
Conclusion
Klebsiella pneumonia comprises a majority of hospital-acuqiried urinary tract infections, soft tissue infections and pneumonia (Podschun & Ullmann, 1998). Occurring primarily in alcoholics and known as a cause of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, Klebsiella is most likely associated with hospitalization, as treatment is vital for survival. There is still a number of factors that is currently being studied to ensure a vaccine and treatment options that have favorable outcomes, as currently there are not a lot of options as this disease is antibiotic resistant to many of the medications, making it difficult to treat. However, the focus for many healthcare facilities must be aiming towards sterilization, degerming, and ensuring proper hygiene is in place to reduce the risk of contamination and spreading of the bacteria.

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