Klebsiella pneumoniae-related rare multi-site infections: A case series

The incidence of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP)-related rare multi-site infections has been progressively rising in China, highlighting the need for heightened awareness of the devastating complications associated with metastatic infections caused by this bacterium. This article describes the cases of six adult patients diagnosed with KP-related multi-site infections at a tertiary hospital in China from 2020 to 2022. The cases report a detailed examination of clinical features, laboratory test findings, bacterial culture results, imaging examinations, treatments administered, and subsequent outcomes. Notably, metastatic infections developed in four patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Despite strict glycemic control and timely antibiotic administration in three patients, their conditions deteriorated rapidly. The unfavorable prognosis in these patients may be attributed to delayed medical intervention, inadequate diabetes control, and unattended abscesses. The findings of this case series underscore the importance of glycemic control, percutaneous abscess drainage, and appropriate antibiotic selection in managing KP infections. Attaining early diagnosis and treatment of KP-related multi-site infections could potentially enhance patient outcomes.