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Meningitis and subgaleal, subdural, epidural empyema due to Pasteurella multocida

Hüseyin Per1, Sefer Kumandaş, Hakan Gümüş

  • 1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 20, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pasteurella multocida, commonly found in animal mouths, can cause severe human infections. A case highlights meningitis and empyema from a rabbit lick, leading to complications.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Pasteurella multocida is a Gram-negative coccobacillus prevalent in animal oral cavities.
  • It is a known cause of human infections, typically soft tissue infections from animal bites.
  • The bacterium can lead to severe systemic diseases beyond superficial infections.

Observation:

  • A case involving a patient with meningitis, subgaleal, subdural, and epidural empyema is presented.
  • The infection was attributed to Pasteurella multocida following direct contact via a rabbit lick.
  • This specific transmission route is less commonly reported for invasive Pasteurella infections.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced significant neurological complications.
  • The infection necessitated a prolonged recovery period due to its severity and extent.
  • This case underscores the potential for Pasteurella multocida to cause invasive intracranial infections.

Implications:

  • Highlights the risk of Pasteurella multocida infections from non-bite animal contact.
  • Emphasizes the need for awareness regarding Pasteurella multocida as a cause of meningitis and empyema.
  • Suggests potential for severe neurological sequelae even from seemingly minor exposures.

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