Abstract:
Different Klebsiella species may be responsible for various infections which may also differ with
the site of the infection. These species may also present with different antimicrobial sensitivity
patterns. However, the identification of Klebsiella to species level is not practiced in most of our
hospitals, during bacteriological diagnosis, because of time constraints and labour. In view of
these, antibiotics are normally administered to treat Klebsiella infections without considering the
type of species responsible for that particular infection, or site of isolation of the Klebsiella
species. The objective of this project was to determine Klebsiella species responsible for causing
infections, their sensitivity patterns to the commonly used antimicrobial agents and the
effectiveness of empirical treatment at KATH. Samples were collected from 2197 patients. These
samples were cultured to isolate the Klebsiella species. Isolates were differentiated to the species
level and their antimicrobial sensitivity patterns determined. The empirical treatment on 51
pediatric patients were monitored and compared with the laboratory sensitivity patterns of the
isolates. Two hundred and five (205) Klebsiella species were isolated, these included Klebsiella
pneumoniae, K. oxytoca, K. rhinoscleromatis and K. ozaenae. K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca
were the commonest isolates. Prevalence of Klebsiella infections in the commonest clinical
specimens were sputum (14.1%), wound (12.6%), urine (10.7%) and blood (5.1%). The highest
female cases were found in urine and the male cases were found in sputum. There was no
significant difference between the out-patient and in-patient cases and among sexes of Klebsiella
infections at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Mother Baby Unit (MBU) registered 21
Klebsiella isolates, Block A which accommodates pregnant women recorded 19 Klebsiella
isolates, Block B which accommodates children registered 16 Klebsiella isolates and the
pediatric emergency unit (PEU) recordered 15 Klebsiella isolates. Results also indicated that K.
11pneumoniae was commonest species, but K. oxytoca was found to be more drug resistant than K.
pneumoniae. The study also revealed that, aminoglycosides and third generation cephalosporins
were the most effective invitro antimicrobials for managing Klebsiella infections at KATH.
Results gathered from empirical treatment showed that, aminoglycosides and third generation
cephalosporins were the most prescribed antimicrobials for Klebsiella infections. Although
empirical treatment is very relevant, it cannot be relied upon completely, but should be combined
with laboratory antibiotic sensitivity testing for effective Klebsiella infection treatment.
