(kleb‵zē-el'ă )

[Klebs + -ella]

[T.A. Edwin Klebs, Ger. bacteriologist, 1834–1913]

A genus of gram-negative, encapsulated bacilli of the family Enterobacteriaceae.

K. aerogenes A species widely distributed in nature that is often identified as a cause of hospital-acquired infections, e.g., in intensive care units. It is a frequent cause of antibiotic-resistant infection. Formerly known as Enterobacter aerogenes.

K. granulomatis A species that causes granuloma inguinale. It was formerly called Calymmatobacterium granulomatis.

K. ozaenae A species found in ozena.

K. pneumoniae A species that may cause sinusitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia. SYN: Friedländer's bacillus.

K. rhinoscleromatis A species that can cause rhinoscleroma, a destructive granuloma of the nose and pharynx.