First Report of Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. ozaenae Meningitis in Japan

Although the frequency of community-acquired infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. ozaenae (K. ozaenae) is low, they are often detected in sputum specimens. In addition, lung abscesses, necrotizing pneumonia, and urinary tract infections caused by K. ozaenae have also been reported. We herein report the first detection of K. ozaenae as an etiological agent of bacterial meningitis in Japan. Cases of K. ozaenae meningitis complicated by diabetes mellitus and sinusitis have been reported elsewhere. When Klebsiella pneumoniae is detected in such cases, it is important to use other detection methods in addition to mass spectrometry for correct identification.