UTI caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae
UTI Caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any part of the urinary system which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra. Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most commonly reported bacteria causing UTIs in humans. It is a bacterium normally found in the human gut. It can, however, cause serious infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
Klebsiella pneumoniae is difficult to treat as it can develop antibiotic resistance. This means that it can survive and grow even when exposed to antibiotics.
Signs and symptoms of UTI caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Frequent urges to urinate
- Blood in urine
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Back, side, or groin pain
- Fever or chills
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvis
- Vomiting or nausea
If left untreated, UTI caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae can cause severe complications like kidney failure,heart valve infection, and even death.
Diagnosis
Urinalysis and urine culture can be done to diagnose UTI caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Urine sample will be taken and analyzed under a microscope for bacteria, red blood cells, white blood cells, and other substances that may be an indication of the disease.
A urine culture may also be used to confirm the presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria. In this test, the urine sample is incubated in the laboratory to look for the bacteria. If the results are positive, further testing may be necessary to identify the exact type of bacterium involved.
Treatment
The most common treatment for UTI caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae is antibiotics. Antibiotics that are commonly used for this condition include ciprofloxacin, amikacin, ceftazidime, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and meropenem.
Patients may need to be hospitalized if the infection is severe or if they are unable to take oral antibiotics. In such cases, intravenous antibiotics will be given for a few days.
It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions for taking the antibiotics. This includes taking all the doses at the prescribed times, even if the symptoms have already improved.
Prevention
To prevent UTI caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, it is important to maintain good hygiene, including washing your hands regularly and avoiding close contact with people who are infected.
It is also important to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to flush out the bacteria from the urinary system. Eating probiotic food like yogurt and fermented vegetables can also help.