Rare case of multisystemic Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in a diabetic patient: a case report

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Authors: Xiaochang Bin, Fen Tang, Li Zou, Jian Lv, Yanjie Luo, Zhenqiang Tang
Cited by: 0
References: 25

Abstract

Background Multisystemic infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) are rare but can be life-threatening, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We report a case of a 65-year-old diabetic female patient who developed concurrent ocular, intracranial, hepatic, and pulmonary abscesses caused by K. pneumoniae . Case presentation The patient presented with a subacute onset of cough, fever, and ocular symptoms. The diagnosis was confirmed through integrated clinical assessment, laboratory analysis, and multimodal imaging. The patient’s condition was momentarily improved following enucleation of the infected eye and initial empirical therapy with meropenem and vancomycin, followed by targeted antimicrobial treatment based on the microbiological results. Regular follow-up with serial cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans was performed to monitor disease progression and response to treatment. Conclusion This case highlights the critical necessity for early diagnosis, aggressive surgical intervention, and prolonged antimicrobial therapy in diabetic patients with severe Kp dissemination. Comprehensive clinical and radiological follow-up is paramount to ensure therapeutic efficacy and recovery.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Ocular Infections and Treatments Otolaryngology and Infectious Diseases Infections and bacterial resistance

Publication details

Journal / source
Frontiers in Endocrinology
Volume
17
Pages
1691190–1691190
Publication date
12 February 2026
Language
EN