Klebsiella PneumoniaeKlebsiella pneumonia is a gram-negative, encapsulated, lactose-fermenting, nonmotile, facultative anaerobic, urease positive, indole-negative, rod-shaped bacterium of the family Enterobacteriaceae (Tufts University, n.d.). Klebsiella is typically found in the nose or mouth, in the gastrointestinal tract (CDC, 2012). Klebsiella pneumonia was first discovered in 1882 as a pathogen causing pneumonia (). Klebsiella can cause various types of health-related infections in the bloodstream, wounds, and even surgical site infections (CDC, 2012). A common place to contract Klebsiella infection is in the hospital setting, while being treated for other illnesses. Patients who become infected in this way are typically connected to a ventilator or intravenous catheters (CDC, 2012). Klebsiella is named after Edwin Klebs, a German microbiologist (Obiamiwe, 2013). Etiological agent (causal agent) In patients infected with K. pneumonia, inflammatory mechanisms can cause tissue damage related to the release of “alarm proteins” (Achouiti, 2012). These alarm proteins are known as DAMPs (Damage Associated Molecular Patterns) and are present in neutrophils where they potentially influence up to 45% of the cytoplasmic protein (Achouiti, 2012). This is harmful because it inhibits the body's ability to fight the infection, as neutrophils are the body's natural immune defense. Taxonomic classification The domain of Klebsiella is Bacteria, it is in the phylum Proteobacteria, class Gammaproteobacteria, Enterobacteriales is the order, the family is Enterobactericaea, the genus is Klebsiella and finally the species is Klebsiella pneumonia. Mode of transmission For a person to become infected with Klebsiel...... half of the document ...... proven by the FDA. Conclusion Klebsiella pneumonia comprises the majority of hospital-acquired urinary tract infections, soft tissue infections and pneumonia (Podschun & Ullmann, 1998). Affected primarily by alcoholics and known as a cause of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, Klebsiella is most likely associated with hospitalization, as treatment is vital for survival. There are still a number of factors currently being studied to ensure a vaccine and treatment options have favorable outcomes, as there are currently not many options as this disease is antibiotic resistant to many drugs, making it difficult to treat. However, the focus of many healthcare facilities must be on sterilization, degermination and ensuring adequate hygiene to reduce the risk of contamination and spread of bacteria..