Klebsiella infection
About Klebsiella infection
Klebsiella is a bacteria that can cause a variety of infections. Common Klebsiella infections include community-acquired pneumnia, urinary tract infections and chronic infections of the nose. In the United States, alcoholic patients are most common individuals affected by Klebsiella infections. At times this bacteria can cause serious life threatening infections involving the blood stream.Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending the location of the infection. Some individuals can have the bacteria 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 bllod stream can cause fainting, confusion and death.Tests & Diagnostics
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.Common tests: Blood culture, Complete blood count (CBC), Sputum culture, Urine Culture, X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Treatment will vary depending on the location of infections. Treatment involves the use of a variety of antibiotics. Klebsiella is a bacteria that is known to be resistant to many antibiotics so often a very strong antibiotic is chosen until the cultures return with the most appropriate antibiotic.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Pulmonology · Family Practice · Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Klebsiella infection.