How dangerous is Klebsellia?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I had a hysterectomy 2 and a hlf months ago. right out of surgery i developed a spot along the incision that did not seem to heal. Over about a weeks time it increased in sized and became rock hard. My doctor was under the impression it was a hematoma and would slowly go down. Well fast forward to last week, and i was in the hospital getting my abdomine cut open and then having a would vac installed. They told me today they the culture came back as Klebsellia. Should i be worried? i have read many things on this bacteria. They did do a sensitivity on mine and i am good to go with anything other than penicyllin.

Dear Amanda: I do understand your concern about a klebsiella infection. Klebsiella belongs to the tribe Klebsiellae, an enterobacteriaceae. There are 7 different types of klebsiella and they appear everywhere in nature. In humans, they are present in the skin, pharynx and the gastrointestinal tract. They may also be present in sterile wounds and the urine.

Infection by klebsiella occurs when the immunity of the host is decreased, this is especially when there is a long standing disease, antimicrobial use or in immunosuppressive state. K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca are the 2 members of this genus responsible for most human infections. The principal pathogenic reservoirs of infection are the gastrointestinal tract of patients and the hands of hospital personnel.

The severity of klebsiella infection depends on several factors and it mainly depend on the immunity of the person and the amount of bacterial spread. Though klebsiella infection can be life threatening especially in debilitated condition, bacteremia and alcoholism, I do not think that these may apply to you. Usually Klebsiella  are resistant to multiple antibiotics but since they are susceptible to any antibiotic in your case, is a good sign. I hope I have been able to allay some of your fears, I wish you well.