Whilst Klebsiella is found in farm animals, there’s no evidence that it transfers over to humans.
Whilst Klebsiella is found in farm animals, there's no evidence that it transfers over to humans. A study led by Bath's Milner Centre for Evolution investigated spread of Klebsiella bacteria between humans and the environment. An international team of scientists investigating transmission of a deadly drug resistant bacteria that rivals MRSA, has found that whilst the bugs are found in livestock, pets and the wider environment, they are rarely transmitted to humans through this route. The researchers, led by Professor Ed Feil from the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath, investigated the prevalence of Klebsiella, a family of bacterial species that lives harmlessly in the intestines, but can be dangerous if it spreads to other parts of the body. Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most well-known species in this family, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract infections and infections in the bloodstream. These bacteria are now highly resistant to antibiotics, with some strains even resistant to carbapenems, one of the so-called -last resort- class of antibiotics which is only used when no other antibiotic treatment works. Klebsiella has overtaken MRSA as a health problem in the UK, with rates steadily increasing.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE, CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
And extend your reading, free of charge and with no commitment.
