What is Klebsiella pneumoniae?
The human immune system is a wonder of nature as it efficiently protects our bodies against infection from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of many bacteria that reside in our intestinesopen_in_new and is kept in check by the antibodies which naturally exist in our bloodstream. However, it can become extremely dangerous if it finds its way into other parts of the body (particularly the lungs) and if one’s immunity is compromised due to a chronic medical condition or by self-infliction such as alcoholism or smoking.
The year 1882 gave us the Standard Oil company, the Immigration Act, the Labor Day parade, and the first commercial electrical power plant. But perhaps the most noteworthy event of the year was scientist Carl Friedlander’s discovery of a bacterium isolated from deceased pneumonia victims. While it was originally called Friedlander’s bacillusopen_in_new, the scientific community later renamed the pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae, after German microbiologist Edwin Klebs and the disease with which it is most closely associated. This bacterium is just one of many species in the genus Klebsiella, which are rod-shaped and initially found in soil, water, plants, and insectsopen_in_new.
Where is it found?


What can it infect?




How does it spread?


Preventing the Spread of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria are transmitted through direct contact with the infected as well as contaminated medical equipment like ventilatorsopen_in_new, catheters, and intravenous lines. While treatable via antibiotics, it has proven to be a stubborn pathogenopen_in_new which resists many known antimicrobials. More research is needed to develop effective treatments which may be consistently used, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopiaopen_in_new where infections are common and potential outbreaks are a concern.
The spread of Klebsiella pneumoniae can be minimized by:
- Removing IVs and catheters as soon as they are no longer needed
- Getting plenty of rest
- Washing hands frequently
- Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Avoiding contact with medical equipment in hospitals and other facilities
Get More Protection with UV Disinfection
In addition to the above preventative measures, germicidal ultraviolet (UV-C) surface disinfection can inactivate Klebsiella pneumoniae in high-risk areas such as rural locations with high rodent populations. Shop our products at AtlanticUltraviolet.comopen_in_new.
Our germicidal lamps produce ultraviolet wavelengths at 254 nanometers, the region of maximum germicidal effectiveness. Read our FAQ blog post to learn more. See dosage data below.

Klebsiella pneumoniae: Classification & UV-C Dose for Inactivation
Organism: | Alternate Name: | Type: | Disease: | UV Dose*: |
---|---|---|---|---|
Klebsiella pneumoniae | Friedlander’s bacillus | Bacteria | Pneumonia | 7.0 mJ/cm2 |
* Nominal Ultraviolet dosage necessary to inactivate better than 99% of microorganisms. See sources below.
People at High Risk of Infection
The following individuals are at high risk of K. pneumoniae infection:
- People 65 years or older
- Children under the age of 5
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with chronic illnesses such as lung, liver, or kidney disease
- People with diabetes or cancer
- Those using an IV or catheter
- Smokers and alcoholics
You’re also more likely to contract an infection from Klebsiella pneumoniae if you:
- Are a patient in a hospital
- Reside in a nursing home or assisted living facility
Klebsiella pneumoniae Symptoms
Much research has since been done on pneumonia, which affects one million adultsopen_in_new each year, 50,000 of which die from the disease. The classic symptom of K. pneumoniae infection is an oral discharge of mucus from the lungs resembling currant jellyopen_in_new.
Additional Klebsiella pneumoniae symptoms include the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Low blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rash
- Nausea
- Confusion
Possible Complications from Klebsiella pneumoniae
The spread of K. pneumoniae can be linked to many healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) other than pneumonia, within the urinary tract, brain (meningitis), bloodstream, and surgical wounds. It can also sometimes lead to death.
Sources on Klebsiella pneumoniae
The above information can be found on the following pages:
- CDC: About Klebsiellaopen_in_new
- National Library of Medicine: Klebsiella Pneumoniaopen_in_new
- WebMD.com: Klebsiella pneumoniae infectionopen_in_new
- Healthline.com: klebsiella pneumoniaopen_in_new
Dosage Source
Sensitivity of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses, and Other Microorganisms to Ultraviolet Radiation. Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Volume 126, Article No. 126021. August 20, 2021. View PDFopen_in_new
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