Klebsiella Pneumoniae in Urine: Meaning and Treatment

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, non-s aerotropic bacteria. It can infect the urinary tract, lungs, and other body parts. The infection can grow in the urinary tract, leading to klebsiella pneumoniae in urine. This is also know as Klebsiella pneumoniae UTI.

According to the CDC, about one million people get klebsiellosis each year in the U.S. Men, women, and children can all develop a UTI from Klebsiella pneumoniae. Sometimes, it can even cause life-threatening diseases such as sepsis or pneumonia.

However, the symptoms may be different for everyone. Some people don’t experience any symptoms when they contract Klebsiella pneumoniae. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of Klebsiella pneumoniae in urine.

Klebsiella Pneumoniae in Urine
Klebsiella Pneumoniae in Urine: symptoms, causes and treatment

What is Klebsiella pneumoniae UTI?

Klebsiella is a type of bacteria that lives in the human intestine. When it grows out of control and moves into other parts of the body, it’s known as an infection.

A UTI from klebsiella pneumoniae occurs when bacteria from the intestinal tract enter the urinary tract. UTIs caused by klebsiella tend to be more severe than other UTIs caused by E. coli etc. This conditon can affect both men and women and children of any age.

Symptoms of klebsiella pneumoniae UTI

Klebsiella infections can result in a range of symptoms, including:

  • Abdominal pain – This could be anywhere in the abdomen, including the lower right side, where most UTIs are located.
  • Bladder spasms or pain – These can come with a burning sensation, particularly during urination.
  • Fever – A fever of 100.4°F or higher should be reported to your doctor.
  • General malaise – You might feel tired and achy, even without a fever.
  • Pain when urinating – This can range from a burning sensation to a strong urge to urinate with little result.
  • Urinary frequency – This is the need to urinate more often than usual.

Causes of klebsiella pneumoniae UTI

Klebsiella infections happen when bacteria from the intestines get into the urinary tract. The risk factors for developing a UTI caused by klebsiella include:

Age – Most UTIs occur in women in their 30s and 40s. Men and children can also have UTIs but are less likely to have them than women.

Diabetes – People with diabetes are more likely to develop UTIs, especially with poor blood circulation.

Catheter use – People with long-term urinary catheters are at a higher risk for infections.

Kidney disease – People with kidney disease are more likely to get UTIs.

Passing small amounts of urine frequently, such as when you’re pregnant-  Small amounts of urine in the bladder can build up and lead to infection.

Having a weakened immune system– This can be because of an ongoing health condition, certain medications, or certain types of surgery.

Having an unclean toilet, toy, or sexual partner can all be how bacteria get into your urinary tract.

Certain types of contraception – Using intrauterine devices (IUDs) or a diaphragm can increase your risk of developing UTIs because these devices can increase your risk of bacterial growth by trapping bacteria in the genital tract. Women taking the combined oral contraceptive pill or a vaginal ring are at a higher risk for UTIs.

Diagnosis of klebsiella pneumoniae UTI

If your doctor suspects you have a UTI caused by klebsiella pneumoniae, they’ll likely order a urine test. They may also request tests to rule out other conditions, like kidney or sexually transmitted infections.

The diagnosis is confirmed by culturing the bacteria from the urine sample. UTIs are often treated based on symptoms, so antibiotics will be prescribed for klebsiella infections whether or not the bacteria are cultured.

Treatment for klebsiella pneumoniae UTI

The treatment for klebsiella pneumoniae UTIs depends on the severity of the infection. People with mild conditions may be able to treat them with antibiotics prescribed at home.

People with more severe infections may need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous antibiotics. Antibiotics will likely be prescribed to prevent future klebsiella infections. These include:

Azithromycin (Doryx)Azithromycin is an antibiotic that treats UTIs caused by bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae. Azithromycin works by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation in the body. Side effects that may occur with azithromycin include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and rash.

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) – This antibiotic is often used to treat UTIs caused by E. coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae. It works by killing bacteria in your body. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, rash, and itching.

Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) – This antibiotic can be used both to treat the infection and to prevent future ones. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, rash, and itching.

Is Klebsiella pneumoniae in urine contagious?

Klebsiella infections are not sexually transmitted, so you can’t contract them through intercourse. Other types of contact, such as skin-to-skin contact, can pass the bacteria from one person to another, but this isn’t common.

If you develop a UTI from klebsiella pneumoniae, you should take steps to prevent future infections. This includes drinking plenty of water, urinating when you need to go, showering daily, and wiping from front to back when using the bathroom.

Conclusion

UTIs caused by klebsiella pneumoniae is more serious than other UTIs and can affect people of all ages. Symptoms of a UTI include abdominal pain, bladder spasms, fever, general malaise, pain when urinating, and urinary frequency.

The risk factors for developing a UTI caused by klebsiella include age, diabetes, certain types of contraception, catheter use, and kidney disease. The diagnosis is confirmed by culturing the bacteria, and treatment depends on the severity of the infection.

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