Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Microaerobic Fermentation of Bamboo Hydrolysate by Klebsiella pneumoniae
Published on: November 28, 2025
Post-surgical meningitis caused by Klebsiella variicola
Dai Akine1, Teppei Sasahara1,2, Shinya Watanabe2
1Division of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan.
Abstract:
Klebsiella variicola, a member of K. pneumoniae phylogroup, can cause severe infectious diseases. We report a case of K. variicola meningitis after neurosurgery. The bacterium was isolated from blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and bacterial species identification was carried out by using both matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS) and whole genome sequencing. Initially, the organism was misidentified as K. pneumoniae by VITEK®2; automated system in the clinical laboratory examination. The patient recovered with the combination of surgical drainage and antimicrobial treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of post-surgical meningitis caused by K. variicola. As experienced in this case, the automated bacterial identification system popularly being used in the clinical laboratory might not be effective enough for bacterial species identification. The use of MALDI-TOF MS for microbial identification may be helpful to physicians for appropriate management of K. pneumoniae phylogroup infection.
Insights
This case report details the first instance of Klebsiella variicola meningitis following neurosurgery. Accurate identification using MALDI-TOF MS is crucial for effective treatment of K. pneumoniae phylogroup infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Klebsiella variicola, part of the K. pneumoniae phylogroup, is recognized for causing severe infections.
- Post-neurosurgical meningitis presents a significant clinical challenge.
Observation:
- A patient developed meningitis subsequent to neurosurgery.
- Klebsiella variicola was identified in blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples.
- Initial identification by the VITEK®2 automated system misclassified the bacterium as K. pneumoniae.
Findings:
- Matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and whole genome sequencing confirmed the species as K. variicola.
- The patient successfully recovered with surgical drainage and antimicrobial therapy.
- This represents the first reported case of post-surgical meningitis attributed to K. variicola.
Implications:
- Automated identification systems may exhibit limitations in accurately differentiating closely related bacterial species.
- MALDI-TOF MS offers a valuable tool for precise microbial identification, aiding in the management of K. pneumoniae phylogroup infections.
- Enhanced diagnostic accuracy is vital for appropriate patient treatment and outcomes in neurosurgical infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
03:14Microaerobic Fermentation of Bamboo Hydrolysate by Klebsiella pneumoniae
07:24Production of Chemicals by Klebsiella pneumoniae Using Bamboo Hydrolysate as Feedstock
09:35Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells
10:03Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
03:37Intracisternal Delivery of Meningococci into Mouse Models to Induce Meningococcal Meningitis