A Bacterium That Can Cause Several Diseases

Furthermore, the CDC also states “Healthy people usually don't have to worry about getting K. pneumoniae infections” (CDC). What this means is that this bacterial infection is very hard to get contagious. Friends or relatives to the patient cannot catch this infection just by breathing the same air but contact precaution may be followed. It can be spread by contact person to person. For example, if someone were to be contaminated with this bacteria and comes in contact with another person or a wound, the healthy person can indeed be infected.

Klebsiella pneumoniae can enter the body and it activate your immune system to fight off the invader. “There are a few diseases that this bacteria can cause such as pneumoniae, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, UTIs or meningitis” (CDC). After the body has been infected symptoms will begin to occur and the body will start the process of immunity. The body will create antigens and go through the innate and acquired immune system so that way the patient stays healthy. It is important to pay attention if the patient is showing any of these symptoms.

As discussed, The symptoms of a Klebsiella pneumoniae infection can occur and affect the body very much. “The symptoms for this bacterial infection can differ depending on where the infection is located, and are similar to symptoms of the same diseases caused by other microbes”. In order to know for sure what the cause of symptoms are is to get tested. “For instance, meningitis from K. pneumoniae produces the hallmark symptoms of bacterial meningitis the symptoms include including fever, confusion, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to bright lights”. “Bloodstream infections (bacteremia and sepsis) from Klebsiella cause fever, chills, rash, lightheadedness, and altered mental states”. It can be confused with the Flu symptoms which include Cough, that produces mucus that's green, bloody or yellow, accompanied of Breathing issues. (Joseph Bennington-Castro. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease.

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Fortunately for us K. pneumoniae can be treat. Doctors typically use antibiotics to treat K. pneumoniae infections. However, the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria has complicated matters. 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 hardy, high-threat-level microbes are part of a group called carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, or CRE. “To treat CRE, doctors rely on several powerful antibiotics that still have some effectiveness against the bacteria, particularly when used in combination, according to a January 2013 report in the journal Diagnostic Microbiology & Infectious Disease”. “These drugs include; Aminoglycosides, Polymyxins, Tigecycline, Fosfomycin,Temocillin”. (Joseph Bennington-Castro. Diagnostic Microbiology & Infectious Disease. Klebsiella pneumoniae in Healthcare Settings.

In conclusion it is important to know about this bacteria in the medical workforce. The patient can present symptom and could indicate some other infection. Having open knowledge about this infection can increase the time of the diagnosis which can immediately affect patient. It is also important to know the importance of cleaning and sterilizing just increases. Bacteria can form anywhere and anytime, that is why it’s our job to keep the area clean and safe so that way intruders don’t find their way into our bodies.

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