A Literature Review of the Bacterium Klebsiella spp.: Grays Harbor and Chehalis River Improvements to Navigation Environmental Studies

摘要

Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is presently conducting studies to ascertain the environmental impacts of widening and deepening the navigation channel in Grays Harbor, Washington. This report was prompted by the concern that Klebsiella, a bacterium isolated from pulp and paper mill wastes in Grays Harbor, may be a source of contamination to Grays Harbor sediments. A critical review of its bacteriology, pathogencity, and ecology revealed that, while its taxonomy is confusing, Klebsiella isolated from the environment is not a high risk pathogen. Additionally, its reproductive capability is dependent upon the presence of organic wastes. It is, therefore, unlikely that the low nutrient waters at the dredging and disposal sites would provide an environment for bacterial growth. Thus, while the impact of dredging and disposal on the redistribution of Klebsiella in Grays Harbor is unknown, existing data suggest that the disturbance of sediment contaminated with Klebsiella should not represent a serious threat to human health. (Author)