Klebsiella pneumoniae is a short, thick, rod-shaped bacterium, a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is Gram-negative and does not have flagella. But unlike other representatives of this family, polysaccharide capsules are formed in Klebsiella. These microorganisms are not demanding on nutrient media. For their cultivation, both general and differential diagnostic media are used. Klebsiella has a pronounced enzymatic activity. They break down glucose into acid and gas. There are several subspecies of Klebsiella, they are distinguished by biochemical characteristics. It is not difficult to distinguish them from other bacteria, representatives of enterobacteria, they do not have flagella, ferment sorbitol and do not break down ornithine decarboxylase.
On nutrient media, Klebsiella pneumonia is able to form mucous colonies. The pathogenic properties of this bacterium are entirely due to the degree of its ability to adhere. This quality is completely dependent on the capsular polysaccharide and proteins.outer membrane. Not the last role is played by the presence of pili. If the adhesion process is completed successfully for a pathogenic microbe, then it begins to multiply intensively and colonize enterocytes. The strong capsule of Klebsiella protects them from the harmful effects of phagocytic agents of the body. After the bacterium is destroyed, a strong endotoxin enters the bloodstream. But besides it, Klebsiella pneumoniae is also capable of producing a thermostable exotoxin. It enhances the excretion of fluid from the body, while it is not absorbed properly through the walls of the intestine. It plays a significant role in the development of acute intestinal diseases.
Klebsiella pneumonia is the causative agent of pneumonia, rhinoscleroma, ozena. It also causes damage to the intestines, genitourinary system, meninges. In newborns, Klebsiella provokes intestinal diseases and a toxic and septic condition. These microorganisms can cause outbreaks of nosocomial infections. Pneumonia caused by this pathogenic bacillus is characterized by the formation of several foci in the lungs. They can merge into one large hearth. This is accompanied by profuse mucus of the tissues. This secreted mucus contains a large number of Klebsiella. In addition to the lungs, other organs can be affected, resulting in sepsis.
For the treatment of diseases caused by Klebsiella, use the drug "Klebsifag (Bacteriophage Klebsiella pneumonia)". This is an immunological drug. He possessesspecific ability to lyse pathogenic bacteria. It is used to treat enteral and purulent diseases. Sepsis may be the result of Klebsiella infection of organs during surgical procedures. Purified bacteriophage Klebsiella pneumonia is also often prescribed for intestinal, urogenital diseases, purulent-inflammatory infections, inflammation of the ear, nose, throat, upper respiratory tract and lungs. This drug is one of the best in the treatment of purulent-septic diseases of newborns.
