From the Guidelines
Klebsiella oxytoca is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that can cause various infections in humans, and its treatment typically involves antibiotics, with a strong recommendation for the use of novel β-lactam agents such as ceftazidime/avibactam or meropenem/vaborbactam as first-line treatment options for infections caused by KPC-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) 1.
Key Characteristics of K. oxytoca
- Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium
- Can cause various infections in humans, including urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections
- Commonly found in the environment and can be part of the normal gut flora
Treatment of K. oxytoca Infections
- Recommended empiric treatment: novel β-lactam agents such as ceftazidime/avibactam or meropenem/vaborbactam for infections caused by KPC-producing CRE 1
- Importance of obtaining cultures and susceptibility testing to guide targeted therapy
- Treatment duration usually ranges from 7-14 days, depending on the site and severity of infection
Prevention and Control
- Practice good hand hygiene and implement proper infection control measures in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of K. oxytoca
- Importance of appropriate antibiotic stewardship to prevent the emergence of antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic Resistance
- K. oxytoca can produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), contributing to its antibiotic resistance
- Novel β-lactam agents such as ceftazidime/avibactam and meropenem/vaborbactam have shown efficacy against KPC-producing CRE 1
From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Klebsiella oxytoca
- Klebsiella oxytoca is a type of bacteria that is emerging as an important cause of hospital-acquired infections in adults, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs) 2.
- It is known for its multiple drug resistance to commonly used antibiotics, making treatment challenging 2, 3.
- K. oxytoca is closely related to Klebsiella pneumoniae, another bacterium that can cause similar infections 3, 4, 5, 6.
Infections Caused by Klebsiella oxytoca
- K. oxytoca can cause a range of infections, including pneumonia, lung abscess, and bloodstream infections 3, 5.
- It is also associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients who are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions 5.
Antibiotic Resistance and Treatment
- K. oxytoca is often resistant to multiple antibiotics, including beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones 2, 3, 5.
- Treatment of K. oxytoca infections may require the use of combination therapy, including beta-lactams and aminoglycosides 5.
- Alternative treatments, such as bacteriophage therapy, are being explored as a potential solution to combat multidrug-resistant K. oxytoca strains 4, 6.
Bacteriophage Therapy
- Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically target and kill bacteria, including K. oxytoca 4, 6.
- Phage therapy has shown promise in treating K. oxytoca infections, with some studies demonstrating improved survival rates and reduced toxicity 4, 6.
- Further research is needed to fully explore the potential of bacteriophage therapy as a treatment for K. oxytoca infections 4, 6.