Kikuchi disease in association with Pasteurella multocida infection

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pathology
• Hematology

Background:

• Kikuchi disease is a rare, self-limiting condition of unknown etiology, typically presenting with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy.
• The differential diagnosis for Kikuchi disease is broad, often including infectious and autoimmune etiologies.
• Previous associations have been suggested with viral, bacterial, and protozoal agents, but definitive causative links remain elusive.

Observation:

• A 15-year-old male presented with symptoms consistent with Kikuchi disease.
• Blood cultures were obtained during the patient's presentation.
• Histopathologic examination of lymph node biopsy confirmed Kikuchi disease.

Findings:

• Blood cultures from the patient yielded growth of Pasteurella multocida.
• This is the first reported case to isolate Pasteurella multocida in a patient diagnosed with Kikuchi disease.
• The presence of Pasteurella multocida suggests a potential bacterial etiology for this rare condition.

Implications:

• This case highlights Pasteurella multocida as a potential causative agent in Kikuchi disease.
• Further research into bacterial etiologies, specifically Pasteurella multocida, is warranted for Kikuchi disease.
• This finding may influence diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for patients presenting with Kikuchi disease symptoms.