NCCPA Recertification Practice Exam

Klebsiella pneumonia is a significant cause of community-acquired and nosocomial infections, particularly in individuals with certain risk factors. Alcohol abusers are particularly susceptible due to the immunocompromised state that can result from chronic alcohol consumption. Alcohol can impair the immune response, both by suppressing the function of immune cells and by causing malnutrition, which further complicates the body's ability to fight off infections.

In this context, alcohol misuse not only increases the risk of lung infections like pneumonia but also diminishes the body's overall resilience against chronic infections, making it more likely for individuals to develop Klebsiella pneumonia.

Other groups, while they have their own risks for infections, do not have the same direct association with Klebsiella pneumonia as those who abuse alcohol. For instance, while diabetics and individuals with chronic kidney disease may face risks for various types of infections, the specific predisposition to Klebsiella is significantly pronounced in the context of alcohol abuse.

Ultimately, the choice highlighting alcohol abusers reflects the understanding of how lifestyle factors influence the immune response and susceptibility to specific pathogens like Klebsiella pneumonia.