Bee sting-induced hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infection causing fulminant necrotizing fasciitis: case report and narrative review

Necrotizing fasciitis induced by hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) represents a rare yet life-threatening soft tissue infection, with an increasing incidence observed in recent years. This condition is characterized by rapid progression and a high mortality rate, thereby posing a serious risk to patient health. This article presents a case of acute necrotizing fasciitis of the right upper limb caused by an infection of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae following a bee sting. Additionally, it reviews the current research on K. pneumoniae -associated necrotizing fasciitis, emphasizing its pathogenic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Clinicians are encouraged to exercise heightened awareness regarding skin wound infections, especially those arising from outdoor activities, and to undertake timely surgical evaluation and debridement when necrotizing infection is suspected. Diagnostic efforts should prioritize the combined implementation of the string test, molecular typing, and virulence gene detection to facilitate the swift identification of the hvKp.