A case of <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> hypervirulent phenotype causing necrotizing fasciitis of chest wall: A mono-microbial entity emerging in the Indian subcontinent.

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis of the chest wall or upper torso is a rare clinical entity. Monomicrobial <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> as a causative agent of necrotizing fasciitis is far less common than the polymicrobial etiology. Here, we report a case of community-onset pyogenic necrotizing fasciitis caused by <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> in an immunocompetent male of tribal background from the rural area of Jharkhand, India. The hypermucoviscous phenotype of the bacterium causing necrotizing fasciitis has been infrequently reported from the Indian subcontinent to date. The existence of multidrug resistant trait in the hypervirulent pathotype poses a unique challenge in treatment in such a case and emerges as a critical community health problem requiring prompt attention of the public health stakeholders. Thus, there is a need for widespread awareness for proper protocols in antimicrobial usage, infection control, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment.