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Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, nonmotile, encapsulated, faculatitively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria found in the normal flora of the mouth, skin, and intestines. It is clinically the most important member of the Klebsiella genus of Enterobacteriaceae.

Pathogenesis

K. pneumoniae can cause bacterial pneumonia, though it is more commonly implicated in hospital-acquired urinary tract and wound infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Klebsiella ranks second to E. coli for urinary tract infections. It is also an opportunistic pathogen for patients with chronic pulmonary disease, enteric pathogenicity, nasal mucosa atrophy, and rhinoscleroma. Feces are the most significant sourse of patient infection, followed by contact with contaminated instruments. K. pneumoniae is an increasingly a nosocomial infection as antibiotic resistant strains continue to appear.

Members of the Klebsiella genus typically express 2 types of antigens on their cell surface. The first, O antigen, is a lipopolysaccharide of which 77 varieties exist. The second is K agent, a capsular polysaccharide with 9 varieties. Both contribute to pathogenicity and form the basis for subtyping.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klebsiella_pneumoniae