What is the Difference Between Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae?

Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are two different bacteria that cause pneumonia and other types of infections. The key differences between these two bacteria include:

• Morphology and Gram staining: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium, while Streptococcus pneumoniae is a gram-positive, non-motile, and non-sporulating oval or spherical-shaped bacterium.
• Normal flora: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a normal flora of the mouth, skin, and intestines, while Streptococcus pneumoniae is a normal flora of the respiratory tract.
• Clinical characteristics: Patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae chest infections often suffer a rapid, fatal outcome, and the bacterium is considered the most common cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia. In contrast, Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia, meningitis, and sometimes occult bacteremia.
• Sputum production: One stark difference between community-acquired pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae is the type of sputum produced. The sputum produced by those with S. pneumoniae is described as “blood-tinged” or “rust-colored,” while the sputum produced by those infected by K. pneumoniae is described as “currant jelly”.
• Resistance to antibiotics: Both Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are facultative anaerobes that are non-motile, and both types of bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics, making it difficult to treat their infections.

In summary, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are two different bacteria with distinct morphological, clinical, and habitational characteristics. They both cause pneumonia and other infections, but their responses to treatment and clinical outcomes can vary.

Comparative Table: Klebsiella pneumoniae vs Streptococcus pneumoniae

Here is a table comparing the differences between Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae:

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that causes pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis. In contrast, Streptococcus pneumoniae is a gram-positive, non-motile, and non-sporulating oval or spherical shaped bacterium that causes pneumonia, meningitis, and sometimes occult bacteremia. The sputum produced by patients with Klebsiella pneumonia is described as "currant jelly-like" due to the significant inflammation and necrosis of the surrounding tissue, while the sputum produced by patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae is "blood-tinged" or "rust-colored".