Klebsiella sp. is most commonly associated with which conditions?

• A. Septicemia and urinary tract infections
• B. Meningitis
• C. Pneumonia
• D. Skin infections

Answer: (A)

Klebsiella species are encapsulated gram-negative rods that are a common cause of hospital-acquired infections. The most frequent and characteristic clinical presentations are urinary tract infections, often related to catheter use or instrumentation, and progression to septicemia (bacteremia) in susceptible patients. While Klebsiella can cause pneumonia (notably aspiration-type in alcoholics) and, less commonly, meningitis or skin infections, the combination of septicemia and urinary tract infection is the best-known and most frequent association. The capsule and ability to form biofilms on indwelling devices help Klebsiella establish UTIs and resist host defenses, facilitating spread to the bloodstream.