Klebsiella: What Higher Gut Levels Can Signal

Klebsiella species are members of the Enterobactericaie family. Similar to Escherichia coli, they do not commonly cause harm in adults at low levels, but they can cause infections when they manage to colonize other parts of the body, such as the urinary tract. Some specific Klebsiella species are more associated with particular infections so we track these separately [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]. Some Klebsiella species are also more commonly resistant to antibiotics and may be a cause of hard-to-treat infections or diarrhea after a course of treatment [7] [8] [9].

We consider low to undetectable levels of Klebsiella to be optimal. The best way to combat Klebsiella is to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria that will outcompete them for resources. (Adapted from Tiny Health)