Comparisons of Pyogenic Liver Abscesses Caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Non-K. pneumoniae Pathogens

Jin, Heung Yong; Lee, Sik; Park, Ju Hyung; Choi, Eu Gen; Lee, Heung Bum; Lee, Soo Teik; Ahn, Deuk Soo

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There are increasing reports of hepatic abscess cause by K. pneumoniae, especially in Asia and its more frequent occurrence in diabetes mellitus but the reason remains unclear. This study was conducted to clarify the different clinical presentations between patients with K. pneumoniae (KP group) and those with non-K. pneumoniae (non-KP group) hepatic abscess. METHODS: A retrospective clinical survey was done from April 1997 to February 2001. The medical records of 20 adults with culture-confirmed pyogenic liver abscess who had attended Chonbuk National University hospital were reviewed. RESULTS: Hepatic abscess caused by K. pneumoniae accounted for 10 (50%) of 20 patients with pyogenic liver abscesses. Compared to KP group, non-KP group showed higher proportions of polymicrobial infections (50% vs 20%) including E. coli, Proteus sp., Enterobacter sp., Citrobacter sp., P. aeruginosa, viridans streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Bacteroides sp.. Although, the clinical presentations of the two groups were similar, but KP group showed higher association with diabetes mellitus, lower hepatobiliary diseases, and larger abscess formation than non-KP group. CONCLUSION: K. pneumoniae was one of the most important causative organism in pyogenic liver abscess. Clinical findings were similar between K. pneumoniae heatic abscess and non-K. pneumoniae-induced abscess, though, K. pneumoniae-induced hepatic abscess was more frequently associated with diabetes mellitus and single large abscess.