KLEBSIELLA INFECTIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Klebsiella infections refer to a group of bacterial infections caused by the Klebsiella species of bacteria. Klebsiella is a type of Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the environment, including soil, water, and vegetation. While Klebsiella bacteria are generally harmless and part of the normal flora present in the human intestinal tract, they can cause significant infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.
Klebsiella infections can affect various parts of the body, such as the lungs, urinary tract, wounds, and bloodstream. The severity of the infection can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, it can become life-threatening. Common symptoms of Klebsiella infections may include fever, chills, cough, sputum production, difficult or painful urination, abdominal pain, wound redness or drainage, and general signs of infection.
Treatment for Klebsiella infections typically involves the use of antibiotics that are effective against Gram-negative bacteria, such as cephalosporins, carbapenems, or fluoroquinolones. However, in recent years, some strains of Klebsiella bacteria have become resistant to multiple antibiotics, including the more potent ones, making treatment challenging. In such cases, a combination of antibiotics may be required.
Prevention of Klebsiella infections includes proper hand hygiene, especially in healthcare settings, as Klebsiella can easily spread from person to person. Additionally, infection control practices, such as proper disinfection of equipment and surfaces, and following sterile techniques during procedures, can help reduce the transmission of these bacteria.
Common Misspellings for KLEBSIELLA INFECTIONS
- jlebsiella infections
- mlebsiella infections
- llebsiella infections
- olebsiella infections
- ilebsiella infections
- kkebsiella infections
- kpebsiella infections
- koebsiella infections
- klwbsiella infections
- klsbsiella infections
- kldbsiella infections
- klrbsiella infections
- kl4bsiella infections
- kl3bsiella infections
- klevsiella infections
- klensiella infections
- klehsiella infections
- klegsiella infections
- klebaiella infections
- klebziella infections
Etymology of KLEBSIELLA INFECTIONS
The word "Klebsiella" is derived from the name of a Ukrainian-born German microbiologist named Edwin Klebs, who first described the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae in 1882. Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most well-known species within the Klebsiella genus.
The term "infections" refers to the invasion and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, in the body, leading to illness and disease.
Therefore, "Klebsiella infections" specifically refers to the infections caused by the bacteria of the Klebsiella genus, primarily Klebsiella pneumoniae.
