Isolation of Klebsiella planticola from Newborns in a Neonatal Ward

This is the first report on the isolation of Klebsiella planticola from neonates. Over a period of 1 year, oropharyngeal and rectal swab specimens from 131 newborns on a neonatal ward were monitored for Klebsiella spp. Thirteen strains of K. planticola could be isolated, and these represented 9% of all Klebsiella spp. found. Capsule type K27 predominated, followed by capsule type K68. Our findings suggest a significant rate of colonization by K. planticola among neonates.