Pasteurella multocida bacteremia and tuboovarian abscess

Tuboovarian abscess is commonly associated with sexually transmitted pathogens. We report a tuboovarian abscess caused by a rare pathogen, Pasteurella multocida, which was managed conservatively.

A 50-year-old sexually inactive woman presented with suprapubic pain and fever. Cat scratches were seen on her hand. Ultrasonography showed a 7.9-cm complex cystic adnexal structure. Her fever persisted despite broad-spectrum parenteral antibiotics. After placement of a transvaginal drain, the patient defervesced, and her pain improved. Both blood cultures and cyst aspirates grew Pasteurella multocida.

Tuboovarian abscess secondary to rare pathogens must be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute febrile pelvic illness in a non-sexually active woman. Minimally invasive drainage procedures may avoid surgery in patients failing initial antibiotic therapy.