The hidden population of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella bacteria colonizing the human digestive tract

Klebsiella bacteria are responsible for some of the most antibiotic-resistant infections. A major study on intestinal colonization by Klebsiella has shed light on human carriage of these strains in the community (i.e. outside hospitals) in low-income countries. This study reveals that controlling Klebsiella carriage is a complex challenge.

It is normal to find Klebsiella bacteria inhabiting the human digestive tract. Contrary to similar bacteria such as Salmonella, which invariably cause infections whenever present (these are considered genuine pathogens), Klebsiella are said to be opportunistic as they only cause infections in certain circumstances, e.g. in patients whose immune system is compromised, in those undergoing surgical procedures, or in neonates whose "barrier" gastrointestinal flora has not yet formed. In such cases, Klebsiella invade other organs, potentially causing infections of the blood, urine or respiratory system.

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