Book

Klebsiella species, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae, have emerged as some of the most clinically significant bacterial pathogens of the modern medical era. Once considered primarily opportunistic organisms, these Gram-negative bacteria are now recognized as major causes of severe healthcare-associated infections worldwide, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and liver abscesses. Their remarkable capacity to acquire and disseminate antimicrobial resistance—especially extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases such as KPC, NDM, and OXA-48—has transformed Klebsiella into one of the most formidable challenges in contemporary infectious disease medicine. Klebsiella: A Comprehensive Reference provides an in-depth, evidence-based exploration of the biology, pathogenicity, epidemiology, and clinical impact of this important genus. The book integrates foundational microbiology with modern genomic insights to explain how Klebsiella species evolve, acquire resistance determinants, and adapt to diverse ecological and clinical environments. The volume systematically examines the taxonomy and genomics of the genus, mechanisms of virulence and immune evasion, antimicrobial resistance pathways, global epidemiology, and the full spectrum of clinical diseases caused by Klebsiella. Detailed chapters also address laboratory diagnosis, molecular detection of resistance genes, therapeutic strategies for multidrug-resistant infections, and emerging approaches to prevention and control. Designed as both an educational resource and a practical reference, this book serves medical students, clinicians, infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, epidemiologists, and researchers seeking a deeper understanding of Klebsiella biology and clinical management. By synthesizing current scientific knowledge with clinical perspectives, the text provides readers with the tools necessary to better understand, diagnose, and confront one of the most important bacterial pathogens in modern healthcare.