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[Two cases of pasteurellosis accompanied by exudate with semen-like odor from the wound]
Y Arashima1, K Kumasaka, T Tutchiya
1Department of Clinical Pathology Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
We encountered two cases of Pasteurella multocida subsp. septica isolation from exudates with seminal fluid-like odor from dog scratch and cat bite. Case 1: A 78-year-old male who had been diagnosed as having diabetes mellitus five years ago was scratched by the claw of a pet dog (Pekinese) on the back of the right hand. Since inflammation ascended to the arm, the patient visited Nihon University Itabashi hospital for a medical examination. Case 2: A 51-year-old female without a specific past history other than hyperlipidemia was bitten by a pet cat at the medical and lateral sides of the left carpus. The patient immediately opened the wound and washed it with tap water, followed by disinfection using a non-iodine disinfectant at home. Two hours later, the patient felt an unpleasant sensation and smelled a seminal fluid-like odor at the wound. The next morning, the entire left arm swelled and pain worsened, then the patient sought medical attention. The patients were treated with antibiotics and the wound completely healed on the 16 days from on set in Case 1 and on the 10 days from onset in Case 2. From these two cases, Pasteurella multocida subsp. septica was isolated from the exudate, suggesting that when wounds caused by animals smell like seminal fluid, the wound is infected with Pasteurellae. This finding may be an important clue for differentiation in clinical diagnosis.
Insights
A seminal fluid-like odor from dog or cat bite wounds may indicate Pasteurella multocida subsp. septica infection. Early identification aids in timely antibiotic treatment for a complete recovery.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida subsp. septica is a bacterium commonly found in animals.
- Animal bites and scratches can lead to infections in humans.
Observation:
- Two cases presented with wound exudates having a seminal fluid-like odor following a dog scratch and a cat bite.
- Patients experienced symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, and pain at the wound site.
Findings:
- Pasteurella multocida subsp. septica was successfully isolated from the exudates in both cases.
- The presence of a seminal fluid-like odor in animal-inflicted wounds is a potential indicator of Pasteurella infection.
Implications:
- This distinctive odor can serve as a crucial diagnostic clue for clinicians managing animal bite or scratch wounds.
- Prompt identification and antibiotic treatment based on this sign can lead to favorable patient outcomes.