Klebsiella oxytoca is a type of bacterium that is frequently spread in intensive care units or nursing homes. It is closely related to Klebsiella pneumonia. Both are rod-shaped, gram-negative bacteria that cause similar types of diseases. They are typically found in the intestinal tract, where they are part of a healthy colon’s ecosystem. The bacteria can spread to other parts of the body, however, and cause life-threatening diseases.

Klebsiella infections are primarily a disorder of people whose immune systems are not functioning well. Such organisms are known as opportunistic pathogens. Many of these infections occur with patients who are hospitalized for some other reason. The bacteria can be easily spread on the hands of hospital workers. People who are particularly susceptible include those with diseases such as alcoholism, diabetes, and chronic bronchopulmonary disease. Other at-risk patients are those who have had organ or stem cell transplants, or general surgery.

Additional risk factors include the use of a catheter or feeding tube. This allows the bacteria to enter the body and bypass its defense mechanisms. The widespread use of antibiotics in hospitals has led to the development of multi-drug resistant strains. These strains are highly virulent and spread rapidly. Doctors usually immediately start treatment when a Klebsiella infection is suspected, and they will generally culture the organism to determine the most effective antibiotics to use.

Neonatal units, or specialized wings for babies, are becoming an area of particular concern with Klebsiella oxytoca. In neonatal intensive care units in the United States, it is among the top four pathogens causing disease. This is especially true for premature babies.

A systemic disease that can be caused by Klebsiella oxytoca is bacteremia. This is when the bacteria colonize the blood and spread throughout the body. It can lead to septic shock and be fatal.

Klebsiella oxytoca is most widely known for causing urinary tract infections. Such infections can spread to the kidney and lead to renal failure. If the disease progresses to this stage, it can also be life threatening.

Both species of this bacteria can live inside the nose without causing any symptoms. From there, they can be carried into the lung. This can lead to very serious cases of pneumonia. This is the most common disease caused by these bacteria outside of a hospital.

One classic symptom of this type of pneumonia is coughing up mucus known as currant jelly sputum because of its appearance. It is often thick and mingled with blood. Mortality with this type of pneumonia is fairly high. This is due to a combination of the severity of the pneumonia and the poor health status of the individuals who typically contract it.