Summary

A 36-year-old man was referred to the general medical team with endophthalmitis. He was noted to have raised inflammatory markers and deranged liver function tests on admission. Subsequent abdominal ultrasound scan revealed a liver abscess requiring percutaneous drainage. A common human pathogen, Klebsiella pneumoniae, was cultured from multiple sites. K pneumoniae has virulent serotypes (K1 and K2) that can cause primary liver abscess with metastatic infections. Cases have previously been predominantly reported in Southeast Asia but are increasing in prevalence in Europe and North America. The main known risk factor for the disease is diabetes mellitus. Swift antibiotic therapy, ophthalmology review and percutaneous drainage of any liver abscess are essential. Early recognition of the syndrome, despite potentially few initial symptoms, can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. The authors report the first recorded case of K pneumoniae liver abscess with endophthalmitis in the UK.