Abstract

INTRODUCTION, HISTORY, STAINING TECHNIQUES OF GRAM NEGATIVE BACTERIA (KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE) AND IT’S RELATED DISEASES

*A. L. T. Kalyani and K. Umadevi

ABSTRACT

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative bacterium that is part of the normal microbiota of the human respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts but can become distinct pink appearance following Gram staining. Staining techniques, including the Gram stain and capsule staining, are essential tools for identifying K. pneumoniae and diagnosing the diseases it pathogenic under certain conditions. It is responsible for a variety of infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections. The Gram stain, developed by Hans Christian Gram in 1884, is a critical laboratory technique for classifying bacteria based on differences in their cell wall structures. Gram-negative bacteria, such as K. pneumoniae, are characterized by a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane, which leads to their causes. Understanding the history of Gram staining and the application of various staining methods has been vital in advancing microbiological diagnostics and treatments for infections caused by K. pneumoniae and other Gram-negative pathogens.

Keywords: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Gram-negative bacteria, Antibiotic resistance, Hospital-acquired infections, Preventive measures