What is "klebsiella"

n. Any of the genus ''Klebsiella'' of rod-shaped bacteria, which cause many diseases in humans.

n. a genus of nonmotile rod-shaped gram-negative enterobacteria; some cause respiratory and other infections

Klebsiella is a genus of nonmotile, Gram-negative, oxidase-negative, rod-shaped bacteria with a prominent polysaccharide-based capsule. It is named after the German microbiologist Edwin Klebs (1834–1913).

Klebsiella species are found everywhere in nature. This is thought to be due to distinct sublineages developing specific niche adaptations, with associated biochemical adaptations which make them better suited to a particular environment. They can be found in water, soil, plants, insects, animals, and humans.