Related Experiment Videos
Klebsiella pneumoniae colonization in patients with spinal cord injury
J Z Montgomerie1, D S Gilmore, I E Graham
1University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Abstract:
Klebsiella pneumoniae colonization of 53 patients with spinal cord injury was studied. Cultures of multiple body sites from patients, the environment, food, and hospital personnel were obtained. K. pneumonaie was cultured from one or more body sites in 46% of male patients. Significant bacteriuria was found in 10% of male patients. Positive cultures of the urethra and perineum for K. pneumoniae were significantly associated with the use of the external condom catheter (p less than 0.05, Fisher's exact test). K. pneumoniae colonization increased with length of stay in the hospital. Serotype 64, the predominant serotype found, was isolated only from patients who had been in the hospital for at least 4 wk and primarily in those patients using the external condom catheter. Urinary drainage bags were frequently colonized with K. pneumoniae at a time when the patients did not have significant bacteriuria. Colonized male patients were found to be the primary reservoir of K. pneumoniae and may serve as the major source for cross-contamination.
Insights
Klebsiella pneumoniae colonization affects nearly half of male spinal cord injury patients, particularly those using external condom catheters. These patients serve as a reservoir, increasing cross-contamination risk within hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) patients are susceptible to infections.
- Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Understanding colonization patterns is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Klebsiella pneumoniae colonization in SCI patients.
- To identify risk factors and reservoirs for K. pneumoniae in this population.
Main Methods:
- Cultured multiple body sites, environment, food, and personnel from 53 SCI patients.
- Utilized Fisher's exact test for statistical analysis.
- Identified predominant K. pneumoniae serotypes.
Main Results:
- K. pneumoniae colonized 46% of male SCI patients.
- External condom catheter use correlated with urethral/perineal colonization (p<0.05).
- Colonization increased with hospital stay length; Serotype 64 prevalent in long-term patients using catheters.
Conclusions:
- Male SCI patients, especially those with external condom catheters, are significant reservoirs for K. pneumoniae.
- Colonized patients pose a cross-contamination risk.
- Urinary drainage bags can be contaminated even without significant bacteriuria.