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Pasteurella multocida meningitis in an adult: case report
G R Armstrong1, R A Sen, J Wilkinson
1Department of Histopathology, Hope Hospital, Salford, Manchester, UK.
Abstract:
Pasteurella multocida is known to form part of the normal flora in the nasopharynx or gastrointestinal tract in many domestic and wild animals. Most human P multocida infections are soft tissue infections caused by dog or cat bites. Less commonly this bacterium is associated with infections affecting other organ systems of man. A case of fatal P multocida meningitis discovered at the necropsy of a 52 year old man is described. P multocida is an unusual causative agent of meningitis which tends to affect those at the extremes of age.
Insights
A rare case of fatal Pasteurella multocida meningitis in a 52-year-old man is described. This bacterium, typically normal flora in animals, rarely causes severe human infections like meningitis, especially in adults.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida commonly resides in animal nasopharyngeal and gastrointestinal tracts.
- Human infections usually result from animal bites, causing soft tissue infections.
- Other organ system involvement is less frequent.
Observation:
- A fatal case of Pasteurella multocida meningitis in a 52-year-old male was identified during necropsy.
- This represents an atypical presentation of P. multocida infection.
Findings:
- Pasteurella multocida was confirmed as the causative agent of meningitis.
- The patient was an adult, contrasting with the typical age extremes affected by P. multocida meningitis.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for P. multocida to cause severe, invasive infections beyond typical soft tissue manifestations.
- Underscores the importance of considering P. multocida in meningitis cases, irrespective of patient age.
- Contributes to understanding the broader spectrum of P. multocida pathogenicity in humans.