Infection Control Resources to Detect Klebsiella and Other Pathogens in Healthcare Environments

Klebsiella is described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a type of gram-negative bacteria that can cause different types of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). These include pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis.

Klebsiella are normally found in the human intestines (where they do not cause disease), and also in human feces. The CDC reports that in healthcare settings, Klebsiella infections commonly occur among sick patients who are receiving treatment for other conditions. For example, patients whose care requires devices like ventilators or intravenous catheters, and patients who are taking long courses of certain antibiotics are most at risk.

“Klebsiella bacteria have increasingly developed antimicrobial resistance, including to the class of antibiotics known as carbapenems,” said Derrick A. Denis, Senior Vice President for Clark Seif Clark. “The increase in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, or CRKP, is complicating medical treatments and causing challenging HAIs. Endotoxin release is a concern, and antibiotics may complicate this condition. To help mitigate infection risks, healthcare professionals should dutifully employ infection control practices. These measures include habitual hand hygiene, vigilant aseptic use of barriers and PPE like gowns and gloves, and systematic cleaning and disinfection of the built environment, linens, and medical devices.”

Dedicated to supporting infection control programs to mitigate exposure threats in high-risk environments are the professionals at CSC. They offer building assessments, environmental testing, monitoring, consulting, and infection control training services. They have even sponsored an educational video about Klebsiella and potential exposure risks in healthcare settings that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/inYfYcISTQI

To learn more about this or other infection control, building science, or industrial hygiene services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com, or call 800-807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC)
Since 1996, CSC has helped clients in both the public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational health, and environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers, and real estate professionals.

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Paul Cochrane

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