Klebsiella are a type of bacteria that are routinely found in the human intestines and stool (feces) and do not usually cause disease. However, Klebsiella can cause a number of healthcare-associated infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis. Increasingly, some strains of Klebsiella bacteria are developing antimicrobial resistance, including to a class of antibiotics called carbapenems (see Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE))
Klebsiella infections are generally NOT reportable in Orange County, unless they are identified by the laboratory to be carbapenem-resistant or extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers. For more information, see the Health Order Mandating reporting of MRSA, ESBLs, and CRE from Orange County hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Laboratory results from specimens sent for diagnostic and screening surveillance purposes that are positive for E. coli, Klebsiella, or Enterobacter species meeting the criteria outlined in the Health Order should be reported to Orange County Epidemiology. Facilities should forward a list of results every 2 to 4 weeks, according to the process arranged by contacting OCHCA Epidemiology at 714-834-8180.
For more information, see also Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI).
Page Last Updated: 12/1/2023