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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

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|October 11, 2008
PubMed

Insights

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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