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Pasteurella multocida Splenic Abscess Causing Fever of Unknown Origin: Report of One Case

Gonçalves Da Costa PS1, Gomes, Pinheiro Cangussu I

  • 1Barbacena Medical School (FUNJOB) - Infectious Disease Discipline - Barbacena, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases
|November 21, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) can be caused by Pasteurella multocida splenic abscess. This case highlights the importance of considering this rare bacterial infection in immunocompetent hosts, even without a clear entry point.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Clinical Case Reports

Background:

  • Pasteurella multocida is a known cause of various human infections.
  • Splenic abscesses are uncommon, with few documented cases caused by Pasteurella multocida.
  • Primary splenic abscesses can present as fever of unknown origin (FUO).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of splenic abscess caused by Pasteurella multocida.
  • To emphasize the potential of Pasteurella multocida as an etiologic agent in primary splenic abscesses presenting as FUO.
  • To highlight the diagnostic and management considerations for such cases.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of an 81-year-old male patient presenting with FUO.
  • Investigation and diagnosis of a splenic abscess.
  • Treatment involved laparoscopic drainage and antibiotic therapy.

Main Results:

  • A splenic abscess caused by Pasteurella multocida was identified in an immunocompetent host with type II diabetes and a synthetic arterial graft.
  • The patient showed a positive response to laparoscopic drainage and a 20-day course of antibiotics.
  • No specific portal of entry for the organism was identified.

Conclusions:

  • Primary splenic abscess should be considered in the differential diagnosis of FUO.
  • Pasteurella multocida is a potential, albeit rare, causative agent for splenic abscesses.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, including drainage and antibiotics, are crucial for favorable outcomes.

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