Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae is the focus of a recent warning issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting this drug-resistant bacterium identified in 16 countries, including the UK.
About Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Klebsiella pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.
About Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp):
- The ‘hypervirulent’ strain (hvKp) is noted for its increased ability to cause severe illness in healthy individuals, unlike typical strains that mainly affect those with weakened immune systems.
- Complications:
- The bacteria can cause infections at multiple sites, often requiring intensive treatment.
- It has a heightened ability to affect the central nervous system and cause endophthalmitis (eye infections).
- Sources: HvKp can be found in the environment (soil and water) as well as in the upper throat and gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans.
- Global Presence: While infections are more common in the Asia-Pacific region, hvKp is spreading globally.
- Sub-strain hvKp ST23: This specific sub-strain is resistant to carbapenems, a class of ‘last-line’ antibiotics used when other treatments fail.
- Current Situation: Klebsiella pneumoniae is becoming increasingly resistant to common antibiotics, with significant resistance to frontline treatments noted in the UK.
- Treatment Challenges: Due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics, treatment options are limited and require specialized care.
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is Klebsiella pneumoniae and what kind of infections can it cause?
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacteria that can cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.
What is hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae?
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) is a strain of the bacteria that is more virulent and can cause severe illness in healthy individuals.
What complications can arise from infections caused by hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae?
HvKp infections can lead to infections at multiple sites, central nervous system involvement, and eye infections (endophthalmitis), requiring intensive treatment.
Where can hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae be found?
HvKp can be found in the environment, such as soil and water sources.
What countries have reported cases of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae?
Sixteen countries, including the UK, have reported cases of the hypervirulent strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae.