Deep sternal wound infection due to Pasteurella multocida: the first case report and review of literature

R Baillot1, P Voisine, L M E G Côté

  • 1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Laval University, Quebec, Canada. richard.baillot@chg.ulaval.ca

Infection
|June 30, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Pasteurella multocida, a Gram-negative bacterium, caused a rare sternal wound infection after surgery. Prompt surgical debridement and antibiotics led to a favorable outcome, highlighting effective treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Site Infections

Background:

  • Pasteurella multocida is a Gram-negative bacterium commonly found in animals.
  • It is frequently associated with infections following animal bites.
  • Postoperative wound infections are a significant concern in surgical patient care.

Observation:

  • This report details the first case of a postoperative sternal wound infection caused by Pasteurella multocida.
  • The infection was complicated by a concurrent bloodstream infection.
  • The patient's sternal wound became infected following surgery.

Findings:

  • Surgical debridement was performed to address the sternal wound infection.
  • Antimicrobial therapy was administered as part of the treatment regimen.
  • The patient experienced a favorable outcome after treatment.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for Pasteurella multocida to cause severe postoperative infections, even in the sternum.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgical intervention and antibiotics, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
  • Further literature review on Pasteurella multocida postoperative wound infections is provided.

Related Concept Videos

Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...