Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced multiple invasive abscesses: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE: Klebsiella pneumoniae infection can induce multiple invasive abscesses, and the invasive infection is severe and life-threatening. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 69-year-old previously healthy Chinese male presented with fever, chill, backache, and ocular pain. DIAGNOSIS: The blood culture results indicated Klebsiella pneumoniae of the K1 serotype. Multiple invasive abscesses in liver, lung, eye, soft tissue, and central nervous system were identified by imaging examination. Subsequently, the patient experienced right ocular pain accompanied by visual disturbance. Tyndall sign was strongly positive, and lens opacity was observed by the ophthalmologist. INTERVENTIONS: Full-dose and long-term treatment with meropenem was performed. Intraventricular injection of glass and anterior chamber puncture with antibiotics were performed twice. The patient also underwent an evacuation of the brain abscess. OUTCOMES: The patient's headache and lumbar backache were relieved, his ophthalmodynia disappeared, and his vision recovered after nearly 3 months of treatment. LESSONS: Imaging examination is very important for severe Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. The choice of antibiotics is complex, and the antimicrobial regimen should be adjusted according to the assessment of illness and the therapeutic effect. Surgical intervention must be considered for patients with multiple invasive abscesses.