Dogs and cats may carry strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a potentially serious bacterium that can cause infections and is also found in humans, according to new research from Bournemouth University published in the journal Transboundary and Emerging Diseases.

Klebsiella pneumoniae can live harmlessly in the body but can also cause serious infections, including infections of the urinary tract, bloodstream and lungs. The problem becomes more difficult to treat when the bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.