Microbiology
Pathogens
Regarding Klebsiella spp. which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Answer:
Klebsiella spp. are facultatively anaerobic Gram-negative rods, found in the normal intestinal and respiratory flora. These organisms are usually opportunistic pathogens that cause nosocomial infections, most commonly pneumonia and UTI.Klebsiella Spp.
Microbiology / Pathogens / Klebsiella and Enterobacteriae
Last Updated: 21st April 2019
| Microorganism | Klebsiella spp. |
|---|---|
| Gram stain | Gram negative |
| Shape | Rods |
| Oxygen requirements | Facultative anaerobes |
| Oxidase | Negative |
| Additional features | Lactose-fermenting |
| Reservoir | Intestine, nasopharynx and skin flora |
| Diseases | UTI, pneumonia, meningitis, otitis media, nosocomial infections |
Transmission
Klebsiella spp. are facultatively anaerobic Gram-negative rods, frequently found in the human gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tracts but also present in soil and water. Transmission is via respiratory droplet or local spread of flora.
Clinical Disease
These organisms are usually opportunistic pathogens that cause nosocomial infections, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, device-related and wound infection, septicaemia and meningitis (neonatal). Outbreaks of infection in high-dependency patients is associated with septicaemia and high mortality.
Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important respiratory tract pathogen outside hospitals as well, carried in the respiratory tract of about 10% of healthy individuals. Patients frequently have predisposing conditions such as advanced age, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes mellitus or alcoholism. Community acquired pneumonia with K. pneumoniae is a rare, severe infection characterised by thick, bloody sputum (red currant jelly sputum), associated with complications such as necrosis and abscess formation and poor outcomes.
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- Biochemistry
- Blood Gases
- Haematology
| Biochemistry | Normal Value |
|---|---|
| Sodium | 135 – 145 mmol/l |
| Potassium | 3.0 – 4.5 mmol/l |
| Urea | 2.5 – 7.5 mmol/l |
| Glucose | 3.5 – 5.0 mmol/l |
| Creatinine | 35 – 135 μmol/l |
| Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) | 5 – 35 U/l |
| Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT) | < 65 U/l |
| Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) | 30 – 135 U/l |
| Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) | < 40 U/l |
| Total Protein | 60 – 80 g/l |
| Albumin | 35 – 50 g/l |
| Globulin | 2.4 – 3.5 g/dl |
| Amylase | < 70 U/l |
| Total Bilirubin | 3 – 17 μmol/l |
| Calcium | 2.1 – 2.5 mmol/l |
| Chloride | 95 – 105 mmol/l |
| Phosphate | 0.8 – 1.4 mmol/l |
| Haematology | Normal Value |
|---|---|
| Haemoglobin | 11.5 – 16.6 g/dl |
| White Blood Cells | 4.0 – 11.0 x 109/l |
| Platelets | 150 – 450 x 109/l |
| MCV | 80 – 96 fl |
| MCHC | 32 – 36 g/dl |
| Neutrophils | 2.0 – 7.5 x 109/l |
| Lymphocytes | 1.5 – 4.0 x 109/l |
| Monocytes | 0.3 – 1.0 x 109/l |
| Eosinophils | 0.1 – 0.5 x 109/l |
| Basophils | < 0.2 x 109/l |
| Reticulocytes | < 2% |
| Haematocrit | 0.35 – 0.49 |
| Red Cell Distribution Width | 11 – 15% |
| Blood Gases | Normal Value |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.35 – 7.45 |
| pO2 | 11 – 14 kPa |
| pCO2 | 4.5 – 6.0 kPa |
| Base Excess | -2 – +2 mmol/l |
| Bicarbonate | 24 – 30 mmol/l |
| Lactate | < 2 mmol/l |
