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Pasteurella multocida meningitis in infancy - (a lick may be as bad as a bite)
1Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's Hospital, London W2 1NY, UK,
European Journal of Pediatrics
|December 14, 1999
Summary
Pasteurella multocida can cause meningitis in infants, even without a bite. Prevent this serious infection by limiting infant contact with pet saliva and practicing good hand hygiene.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida commonly causes local infections after animal bites.
- Meningitis is an unusual manifestation of P. multocida infection.
Observation:
- A 7-week-old infant developed P. multocida meningitis.
- Infection occurred through non-traumatic contact with a household pet.
- Initial misdiagnosis as Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) occurred.
Findings:
- P. multocida can cause severe meningitis in infants.
- The organism may be mistaken for other Gram-negative pathogens.
- Misdiagnosis has implications for vaccination strategies.
Implications:
- P. multocida meningitis is a serious, preventable infant infection.
- Avoiding infant contact with pet saliva is crucial.
- Emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene in preventing transmission.