[Respiratory pasteurellosis. Apropos of 32 cases]

The authors present the main characteristics of respiratory pasteurellosis on the basis of 32 personal cases. The predominant background is chronic obstructive lung disease consecutive, in most cases, to chronic bronchitis. In patients without chronic lung disease the infection occurs when the terrain is deficient. The most common clinical form is bronchitis; pneumonia, pleurisy and lung abscess are rare. The existence of asymptomatic carriers has been recognized. Clinical manifestations are devoid of pathognomonic signs and symptoms. Diagnosis rests on isolation of the micro-organism and can be completed by serodiagnosis and intradermal reaction to pasteurelline. The severity of respiratory pasteurellosis depends on the clinical form and the background. The curative treatment is simple and effective as a rule, but prevention is possible and recommended since pasteurellosis is a potentially severe infection.