Introduction
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a member of the enterobacteriacea family of gram-negative rods that are found primarily in the human gastrointestinal tract. The most common forms of Klebsiella infection are hospital- acquired urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and bacteremia. Much of the recent literature surrounding K. pneumoniae has been in regards to its role as a carrier of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), and more recently, as the predominant carbapenem resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) species. CRE is a new class of multi-drug resistant species that tend to infect elderly patients after prolonged hospital stays or in long-term care facilities.[1] The substantial mortality associated with CRE infections is likely due the lack of effective treatments and underlying vulnerability of the patients, rather than virulence of the bacteria.[1]