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Community-acquired Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess: an emerging infection in Ireland and Europe

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Abstract

Introduction

Klebsiella pneumoniae has emerged as a predominant cause of community-acquired mono-microbial pyogenic liver abscess. This was first described in Taiwan and has been widely reported in Asia. This infectious entity has been described in Europe, with single case reports predominating.

Methods

We present three cases in one year from our institution in Ireland and review the European literature to date.

Results/Conclusion

Klebsiella pneumoniae invasive liver abscess syndrome is now emerging in Europe and notably is not restricted to individuals of Asian descent.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr. Jane Turton of the Health Protection Agency, Colindale, London, UK, for conducting capsular serotyping of the K. pneumoniae isolates and the typing for virulence determinants.

Conflict of interest

None.

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Correspondence to D. O’Shea.

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Moore, R., O’Shea, D., Geoghegan, T. et al. Community-acquired Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess: an emerging infection in Ireland and Europe. Infection 41, 681–686 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-013-0408-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-013-0408-0

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