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Published on: February 23, 2014
Bacteremic community-acquired pneumonia due to Pasteurella multocida
Diamantis P Kofteridis1, Maria Christofaki, Elpis Mantadakis
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. kofterid@med.uoc.gr
Summary
Elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should avoid close animal contact. This case highlights Pasteurella multocida pneumonia transmission from pets, likely via aerosol inhalation.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant risk factor for respiratory infections.
- Pasteurella multocida is a bacterium commonly found in the oral flora of domestic animals.
- Zoonotic transmission of P. multocida can occur through bites, scratches, or inhalation of aerosols.
Observation:
- An 87-year-old man with a history of COPD presented with symptoms of pneumonia, including fever, cough, dyspnea, and altered consciousness.
- Chest radiography confirmed right upper lobe pneumonia.
- Blood cultures identified Pasteurella multocida, with susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics.
Findings:
- The patient was successfully treated with intravenous ceftriaxone, with rapid resolution of fever and clinical improvement.
- Despite no documented bites or scratches, pet exposure was suspected as the source of infection.
- Inhalation of aerosols from pet secretions was proposed as the likely transmission route, leading to tracheobronchial colonization and subsequent pneumonia.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for Pasteurella multocida pneumonia in elderly individuals with COPD due to close contact with pets.
- Avoiding close contact with animals, particularly for immunocompromised or debilitated individuals, is crucial for preventing zoonotic pneumonia.
- Awareness of aerosol transmission routes is important for public health, especially for vulnerable populations.
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