The anatomy of the human mucous membrane includes a diverse microflora. When examining materials taken for analysis, it is easy to identify a bacterium called “Klebsiella pneumoniae” (lat. Klebsiella pneumoniae). This is a conditionally pathogenic bacillus, which is found mainly in the respiratory organs, intestines, urinary tract, and can also be found on human skin. With a normal ratio with other bacteria, it does not harm the body, but with a numerical superiority it becomes the causative agent of dangerous diseases, including pneumonia. It was discovered in 1882 by microbiologist Karl Friedlander.
Reasons for development
Klebsiella pneumonia is normally included in the human microflora. The main reasons for the ingestion of the bacillus in the body:
- at birth from mother to child;
- on the 5-7th day of birth in a hospital setting;
- while eating and drinking.
For a long time, this bacterium remains viable, being on the surfaces of objects, plant foods, in milk.
Klebsiella has a small rounded shape. It is motionless, since it has no flagella and does not form a spore. The outer capsule protects the microorganism well from environmental influences. Klebsiella pneumonia has long coexisted with humans without causing harm. But a decrease in immunity provokes the development of a pathogenic environment, which leads to serious diseases.
Infection routes
The bulk of infections are transmitted through dirty hands and poor personal hygiene. Diseases caused by Klebsiella are no exception. Since the bacterium is resistant to external factors and persists for a long time on objects and products, its risk of entering the body through the mouth is very high. For this reason, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse vegetables and fruits, clean work surfaces, and keep your hands clean.
The second way to catch a serious infection is contact with a patient, more precisely, by airborne droplets. When sneezing, coughing, a huge number of bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae are released. Getting into the body of a healthy person in large quantities, pathogenic microorganisms begin to develop actively. The incubation period lasts an average of a week.
Dysbacteriosis is the third cause of exacerbation of Friedlander’s bacillus, often found among patients. Long-term use of antibiotics significantly spoils the microflora of the intestines and other mucous membranes. The numerical superiority of opportunistic bacteria over beneficial bacteria reduces local immunity, initiating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and organs of the genitourinary system.
Klebsiella pneumonia causes serious infections in an immunocompromised person. The risk group includes:
- newborns (especially premature babies);
- aged people;
- patients who have undergone complex operations.
Symptoms
Klebsiella pneumoniae was originally classified as a type of microorganism that causes pneumonia. Bacteria of this type are localized on the mucous membranes of various organs and systems, therefore they provoke a variety of diseases that are unlike each other.
Lungs
Klebsiella pneumonia is considered dangerous in terms of symptoms and course of the disease. The foci of inflammation are located in the lower parts of the lungs. The disease begins as a common ARI. The inflammation develops rapidly and proceeds in an acute form. The following symptoms occur:
- fever and high body temperature;
- cough and shortness of breath;
- signs of intoxication (dizziness, vomiting, weakness);
- wheezing in the lungs;
- pain in the chest;
- sputum with bloody streaks and an unpleasant odor.
When the bacteria infects the nasopharynx, the symptoms are as follows:
- runny nose;
- sore throat;
- mucosal atrophy;
- cough with phlegm.
If you do not start timely and correct treatment, there is a risk of pneumonia.
Gastrointestinal tract
Friedlander’s wand can cause the following diseases:
- gastritis;
- enteritis;
- enterocolitis.
The symptomatology is similar in each case. The patient has:
- vomit;
- loose stools;
- pain in the abdomen;
- weakness;
- drowsiness;
- dehydration.
Klebsiella pneumonia is diagnosed, first of all, when analyzing feces. In the acute phase, the disease lasts no longer than 5 days with proper treatment.
urinary system
When the Klebsiella bacterium is found in the patient’s urine, this indicates an inflammatory process of the pelvic cavity organs. Symptoms in this case may be as follows:
- lower abdominal pain;
- cramps when urinating;
- an increase in the daily rate of secreted fluid;
- impurities of blood in the urine;
- increased body temperature;
- discharge from the genitals.
In the inflammatory process caused by a pathogenic microorganism, complications may develop:
- cystitis;
- pyelonephritis;
- prostatitis.
The most dangerous thing is sepsis. This is a real threat to an adult and, of course, to a child.
During pregnancy, women should be wary of Friedlander’s wand. The peculiarity of the bacterium is that it easily penetrates the placenta and causes serious damage to the intrauterine development of the baby. If a woman in labor has an inflammation on the mucous membrane of the birth canal, then after the birth of the baby, she can immediately get pneumonia.
Klebsiella pneumonia releases substances that can lead to toxic shock. Timely and adequate therapy stops the development of pathogenetic reactions and helps to avoid complications.
Diagnostics
Klebsiella pneumoniae causes serious pathological changes in the body. Correct diagnosis will help to avoid the consequences. The main methods for detecting bacteria include the laboratory method. Feces, urine, blood are taken for analysis. Depending on the disease, a swab from the throat, nose or cervical canal is prescribed. To confirm pneumonia and identify the exact location of the foci, an x-ray is performed.
Self-medication for this type of inflammation is not allowed.
Therapies
Treatment of diseases caused by Klebsiella is carried out under the strict supervision of a physician and in stationary conditions, since the inflammation quickly becomes severe. The therapy is applied in such a way as to stop the spread of bacteria in the shortest possible time and relieve the symptoms that have appeared.
The clinic will carry out the necessary tests and prescribe appropriate therapeutic measures depending on the focus of the disease and the degree of development of inflammation. The patient is treated with antibiotics, to which Klebsiella pneumoniae is sensitive, bacteriophages, probiotics, enzymes. If necessary, rehydration measures are carried out to avoid dehydration of the body and stagnation of toxins.
In addition to medication, it is important to stay in bed, drink plenty of fluids and regularly ventilate the room where the patient is. Additionally, physiotherapy and folk remedies (decoctions and herbal infusions) can be prescribed. The final stage will be a monthly course of vitamin-containing preparations.
Preventive measures
It is easier to prevent the ingestion of Klebsiella pneumonia in the body than to cure it. The main preventive measures include:
- washing hands several times a day;
- compliance with sanitary standards in the hospital and at home;
- strengthening the immune system;
- ventilation of premises;
- timely access to a doctor at the first symptoms of the disease.
Simple habits can help you avoid the health difficulties caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and other pathogens.