Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
05:02

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

Published on: October 2, 2018

Gas-forming brain abscess caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae

Keun Tae Cho1, Bong Jin Park

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital Seoul, Korea.

Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
|January 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Gas forming brain abscess, a rare Klebsiella pneumoniae infection, affects immunocompromised individuals. This case highlights a fatal outcome in a patient with diabetes and liver cirrhosis despite aggressive treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Gas forming brain abscess is a rare intracranial infection.
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common pathogen, particularly in East Asia.
  • Impaired host defense mechanisms, such as diabetes mellitus and liver cirrhosis, are associated risk factors.

Observation:

  • A 59-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus and liver cirrhosis presented with headache.
  • Brain CT revealed a gas-forming mass with surrounding edema and intraventricular air-fluid levels.
  • The patient experienced rapid deterioration, sepsis, and death within 5 days.

Findings:

  • Cultures of blood and ventricular fluid identified Klebsiella pneumoniae as the causative agent.
  • Despite emergent ventricular drainage and antibiotic therapy, the patient's condition worsened.
  • This case underscores the aggressive nature and high mortality of Klebsiella pneumoniae brain abscess.

Implications:

  • Early recognition and prompt, aggressive management are crucial for gas forming brain abscess.
  • Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of Klebsiella pneumoniae is vital for developing targeted therapies.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering opportunistic infections in patients with underlying comorbidities.
Keywords:
AirBrain abscessKlebsiella pneumoniae

More Related Videos

Induction of Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism in Rat06:26

Induction of Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism in Rat

Published on: October 18, 2024

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model07:26

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model

Published on: July 1, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...