What Is a Klebsiella Pneumoniae Infection?

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) infection is an illness caused by a type of bacterium that commonly lives in the intestines. These infections typically occur in a hospital setting, though they can occur in the community as well, particularly in people with compromised immune systems.

K. pneumoniae infections often get treated with antibiotics, but this bacterium is prone to becoming antibiotic resistant. This can lead to difficulties in treatment and severe complications.

K. pneumoniae can cause different infections depending on the part of your body the bacteria enters or comes in contact with. Common types of infection include:

• Pneumonia When K. pneumoniae enters the respiratory tract, it can lead to bacterial pneumonia, or an infection of the lungs. Symptoms include chest pain when you breathe or cough, fever and chills, shortness of breath, fatigue, a cough that may produce distinctive red phlegm, and changes in mental awareness. It is most serious in older adults, young children, and people with a compromised immune system.

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• Bloodstream Infections Klebsiella that enters the bloodstream can cause bacteremia, or an infection of the blood. It may be a primary infection from bacteria entering due to contaminated IV lines, for example, or secondary from an infection spreading from another area of the body. Bacteremia needs to be treated right away, as these infections can progress to sepsis and septic shock, which can turn deadly. If you’ve recently had a medical procedure or are in the hospital and experience a sudden fever and chills, tell your doctor right away.

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• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) When klebsiella enters the urinary tract, it can lead to a UTI. A UTI can affect any part of the urinary system, including the urethra, kidneys, bladder, and ureters. Symptoms include a strong, frequent need to urinate, burning sensation during urination, and pelvic pain. Fever, chills, and back pain may occur in more severe cases. Women are at a greater risk for UTIs than men. Use of a urinary catheter can increase the risk of UTIs.

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• Wound and Surgical Site Infections If klebsiella enters a break in the skin, it can lead to a skin or soft tissue infection. Typically, this happens with wounds caused by injury or after surgery. Symptoms can include fever, blisters, fatigue, redness, swelling, and pain at the wound or surgical site.

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• Meningitis Bacterial meningitis can occur when klebsiella enters the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

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   It is a very serious infection that can be life-threatening. The bacteria can cause the tissues around the brain to swell, interfering with blood flow. This can result in paralysis or stroke. Symptoms, including high fever, headaches, and stiff neck, come on quickly, usually within 24 hours of infection. If left untreated, bacterial meningitis can lead to death.

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• Intra-Abdominal Abscesses Pockets of pus can form inside the abdomen when a K. pneumoniae infection spreads beyond the intestines or another organ. These abscesses are often a result of abdominal surgery or inflammatory conditions affecting the gallbladder or abdominal lining. Liver abscesses can also occur when K. pneumoniae bacteria migrates from another part of the body, such as the gut, to the liver. Potential symptoms include fever, chills, night sweats, right-sided abdominal pain, decreased appetite, nausea, and weakness. This type of liver abscess is potentially fatal and treated with a combination of antibiotics and drainage.

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K. pneumoniae infections will cause different symptoms based on the area of the body the bacteria affects.

• High fever (up to 105 F or 40.55 C).
• Cough that produces mucus
• Rapid breathing
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Rapid heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Sharp chest pain, particularly when breathing or coughing
• Sweating or chills
• Bluish skin, lips or nails (cyanosis)
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Loss of appetite

• How strong the bacteria is and whether it is antibiotic resistant
• Age, genetics, and immune system strength
• Additional factors such as antibiotic use, environmental exposure, nutrition, and alcoholism

• Aminoglycosides
• Fosfomycin
• Tigecycline
• Carbapenems
• Specialized antibiotics like ceftazidime-avibactam, meropenem-vaborbactam,cefiderocol, and eravacycline

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The majority of otherwise healthy individuals in the community will not develop a K. pneumoniae infection. Following basic hygiene, such as washing hands after using the bathroom, can help with general infection prevention.

• Get regular exercise.
• Take steps to get enough sleep.
• Quit smoking.
• Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables.

• Before touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Before preparing or eating your food
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• Before and after changing wound dressings or bandages
• After touching hospital surfaces, such as bed rails, bedside tables, doorknobs, remote controls or the phone
• After using the restroom

The infection length of K. pneumoniae can vary.

Your doctors or clinical team should be able to provide better guidance on how long your infection will last and options for treatment.

• People who misuse alcohol
• People living with diabetes
• Those who acquired it in a hospital setting
• People who develop sepsis

K. pneumoniae infections can be fatal, depending on the part of the body it affects. Some people may develop long-lasting complications.

• Hearing issues
• Intellectual and learning disabilities
• Headaches
• Vision issues or loss of sight
• Paralysis
• Fatigue

• K. pneumoniae is a potentially fatal cause of infection that can occur throughout the body. The majority of cases occur in hospital settings, though it can happen outside of the hospital, too.
• Treatment typically involves one or more antibiotic regimens lasting for 7 to 14 days, though this may vary.
• Healthcare workers and others can help prevent K. pneumoniae infection by practicing good hygiene and cleaning and sanitizing ventilators and other equipment.
• If you or a loved one are in the hospital and experience signs of a severe infection, such as sudden fever, chills, and confusion, tell your doctor immediately.