Status epilepticus as the presenting manifestation of disseminated Klebsiella pneumoniae meningoencephalitis: A case report

Abstract

Central nervous system involvement in disseminated Klebsiella pneumoniae infection is uncommon and, when 
present, tends to cause severe neurological damage. We describe a previously healthy young individual who presented 
with status epilepticus requiring mechanical ventilation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed diffuse 
meningoencephalitis, and electroencephalogram showed diffuse background slowing with generalized suppression. On 
workup, poorly controlled, previously undiagnosed diabetes was found, along with two separate infective foci – a liver 
abscess and a perianal wound – both of which grew K. pneumoniae with identical antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, 
confirming hematogenous dissemination. The patient made a full recovery following antibiotics, source control, and 
intensive care support. This case illustrates a rare neurological presentation of invasive Klebsiella infection, with 
evidence of true dissemination, and argues for a thorough workup whenever status epilepticus appears without any 
obvious cause.