Definition

Noun: A genus of Gram-negative, nonmotile, rod-shaped bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. Some species within this genus are pathogenic to humans and can cause various infections, particularly of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and wounds.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia.
  • The infection was identified as being caused by a strain of klebsiella.
  • Antibiotic resistance in klebsiella is a growing public health concern.

Advanced Usage

• "Klebsiella oxytoca": A species distinct from K. pneumoniae, often associated with antibiotic-associated colitis and other infections.

  • The lab results confirmed the presence of Klebsiella oxytoca in the sample.

• "Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP)": A specific, highly drug-resistant strain of this bacterium.

  • The patient was isolated due to an infection with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Variants and Related Words

• Klebsiellae (n): The plural form of klebsiella, often used in scientific and medical contexts.
  • Several different klebsiellae were cultured from the specimen.

Synonyms

• Pathogenic enterobacterium: A general term describing disease-causing bacteria within the same family.
• Gram-negative rod: A descriptive term based on its staining characteristics and shape.

Notes on Meaning

This word refers specifically to a taxonomic genus of bacteria. Its primary use is in medical, microbiological, and public health contexts. It is not typically used in general conversation outside of these fields.

Noun

1. a genus of nonmotile rod-shaped Gram-negative enterobacteria; some cause respiratory and other infections