But if K. pneumoniae gets into other areas of the body, it can lead to a range of illnesses, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, meningitis, and urinary tract infections. Pneumonia from K. pneumoniae can result in:
Fevers and chillsFlu-like symptomsCough, which may produce mucus that’s yellow, green, or bloodyBreathing issues
Healthy people usually don’t have to worry about getting K. pneumoniae infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The bacteria are not airborne, so you can’t contract a K. pneumoniae infection by breathing the same air as an infected person. K. pneumoniae is also spread through direct person-to-person contact, such as when someone with contaminated hands touches a wound. Some “superbug” strains of K. pneumoniae are resistant to most antibiotics, including carbapenems, which are considered last-resort drugs. These bacteria produce enzymes called Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPC), which render the antibiotics ineffective. These drugs include:
AminoglycosidesCeftazidime-avibactamMeropenemEravacyclineTigecyclineColistinFosfomycin
Before touching their eyes, nose, or mouthBefore preparing or eating foodAfter using the bathroomAfter coughing, sneezing, or blowing their noseBefore and after changing wound dressings and bandagesAfter touching surfaces in the hospital like bedside tables, bed rails, doorknobs, remote controls, and the phone
These 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 phlegm, and changes in mental awareness. It is most serious in older adults, young children, and people with a compromised immune system.Bloodstream infections K. pneumoniae that enters the bloodstream can cause bacteremia, or an infection of the blood. 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 or dental procedure or are in the hospital and experience a sudden fever and chills, tell your doctor right away.Urinary tract infections (UTI) When K. pneumoniae 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, pelvic pain, and cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine. Women are at a greater risk for UTIs than men.Wound and surgical site infections If K. pneumoniae 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, and pain at the wound or surgical site.Meningitis Bacterial meningitis can occur when K. pneumoniae enters the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. 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.
E. coli normally lives in the intestines, where it does not cause illness. But like klebsiella, when it gets into the respiratory tract, bloodstream, or urinary tract, it can cause dangerous and even deadly infections. Some strains of E. coli in cattle can also cause intestinal infections in humans. The CDC provides all the information you need about what causes klebsiella infections, how it is spread, treatment, and what you can do to prevent infection. National Institutes of Health Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) GARD’s site is another great resource where you can learn all the facts about Klebsiella pneumoniae infections. You can access a database of clinical trials that are related to klebsiella and read the descriptions of each study. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before choosing to participate in a clinical study. Additional reporting by Joseph Bennington-Castro.
