What is Klebsiella infection? And why are antibiotics ineffective against it?
2025-02-26 00:00:00
Klebsiella infection refers to a variety of health-related infections, all of which are caused by the Klebsiella bacteria. These can include pneumonia, blood infection, wound infection, surgical site infection, and meningitis. Healthy people usually do not get the Klebsiella infection, but people who are hospitalized and undergoing treatment for various problems are at risk of contracting this infection. People who take antibiotics for better health or are on ventilators or use devices such as intravenous catheters for long periods of time are more likely to get Klebsiella infection. Infections are often treated with antibiotics, although some Klebsiella bacteria can be resistant to antibiotics.
Symptoms and treatment of Klebsiella infection
Symptoms of a common Klebsiella infection are
- High fever
- Pain
- Uneasiness
- Cold
Symptoms of respiratory infection with Klebsiella-
Symptoms of respiratory infection with Klebsiella are usually pulmonary, with sputum and cough in addition to fever.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection with Klebsiella include
- Burning and pain during urination
- Foul-smelling and cloudy urine
- Frequent and urgent need to urinate
- Sometimes nausea and vomiting.
Symptoms of Meningitis Caused by Klebsiella (very rare)
- Headache
- Fever
- Altered state of consciousness
- Distress convulsions
- Septic shock
Treatment for Klebsiella Infection
Out-of-hospital Klebsiella pneumoniae infection can be treated with cephalosporins (e.g., ceftriaxone) or fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin).
Deeper infections with Klebsiella pneumoniae are treated with injectable antibiotics. They are usually treated with broad-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem), or even fluoroquinolones or aminoglycosides. However, deciding which antibiotic to administer can be difficult due to the acquisition of resistance.
Klebsiella infection and antibiotic resistance
Strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae have developed multiple resistances to antibiotics. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies this bacterium among the 12 "priority pathogens" resistant to antibiotics. For example, Klebsiella pneumoniae can produce an enzyme, carbapenemase, which inhibits the effects of almost all so-called broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics.
In some countries, K. antibiotics are no longer effective for half of the patients treated for pneumonia infections. Acquired resistance to antibiotics is also potentially related to other drug classes, such as aminoglycosides.
Home Remedies for Klebsiella Infection
Steam treatment
Steam inhalation helps relieve Klebsiella infection. This also improves the breathing capacity of the patient. Steam reduces coughs and also relieves chest tightness.
Asafoetida is beneficial.
Asafoetida is beneficial in Klebsiella infection. To protect yourself from this disease, put 2 ratti asafetida in a raisin and eat it for a few days. This will provide relief from the K. infection.
Mustard oil
Rubbing turmeric mixed with mustard oil on the patient's chest provides relief from Klebsiella infection.
Basil
Add freshly ground black pepper to the juice of basil leaves. Consume it every six hours. This will help the patient to get relief from the Klebsiella infection.
Other measures for treating Klebsiella are
- Vegetable juices like carrot juice, spinach juice, beet juice, cucumber juice, and other vegetable juices are beneficial for your health during infection.
- To cure a cough, gargle with half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. This will help reduce the mucus and irritation present in your throat.
- Having a cup of coffee cures shortness of breath.