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Published on: November 5, 2019
[Pasteurella multocida bacteremic meningitis]
R Soloaga1, N Carrión, J Pidone
1Servicio de Microbiología del Hospital Naval Cirujano Mayor Dr. Pedro Mallo, Patricias Argentinas 351 (1405) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. rnsoloaga@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Human infections by Pasteurella multocida are usually associated with bites or scratches from dogs and cats. Many of them are accompanied by other oropharyngeal microorganisms of these animals. We herein present a case of bacteremic meningitis by P. multocida in an 86-year-old woman who was living with seven cats. Even though no skin or soft tissue infection was recorded, it is possible that a mild infection had gone undetected and a subsequent bacteremia had impacted on the meninges, or that meningitis could have occurred after nasopharyngeal colonization (not demonstrated). The isolates obtained from blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid were identified as P. multocida by API 20NE, API 20E, and Vitek 1. In agreement with findings in the literature, this strain was susceptible to penicillin, cefotaxime, levofloxacin and tetracyclines.
Insights
This case report details a rare instance of Pasteurella multocida bacteremic meningitis in an elderly woman with cat exposure. The identified P. multocida strain showed susceptibility to common antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida commonly causes infections following animal bites or scratches.
- Oropharyngeal flora from domestic animals frequently co-infects humans.
Observation:
- An 86-year-old woman with extensive cat contact developed bacteremic meningitis.
- No overt skin or soft tissue infection was noted prior to meningitis diagnosis.
Findings:
- Blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures confirmed Pasteurella multocida.
- Microbial identification was performed using API 20NE, API 20E, and Vitek 1 systems.
- The P. multocida isolate was susceptible to penicillin, cefotaxime, levofloxacin, and tetracyclines.
Implications:
- Highlights potential for P. multocida meningitis from non-bite/scratch animal contact.
- Suggests possible routes of infection include undetected mild skin infections or nasopharyngeal colonization.
- Informs antibiotic selection for P. multocida meningitis based on susceptibility patterns.
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