Veterinary nosocomial (hospital-acquired) Klebsiella infections.

In March 1978, 3 cases of Klebsiella infection occurred in dogs in the intensive care unit at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. The hospital staff was concerned about the possibility of a common-source epidemic, and a record review was conducted for the period January 1977 to April 1978, to examine the past pattern of nosocomial Klebsiella infection. Twenty-three dogs and 1 cat were identified as having had nosocomial Klebsiella infection; the incidence among hospitalized dogs for the 6-month period was 0.85%. Surgical wounds were the most common site of infection, followed by the urinary tract and blood. Prophylactic use of antibiotics appeared to increase the risk of infection and to induce antibiotic resistance.