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[A case of Pasteurella multocida infection in bronchiectasis]
K Hiura1, H Yamada, T Yamaguchi
1Clinical Laboratory, Saga Medical School.
Abstract:
Pasteurella multocide (P. multocida), a small gram-negative bacillus, has been known to be the causative agent of hemorrhagic septicemia in animals. P. multocida infection in human was reported as skin abscess and/or septicemia after an animal bit or scratch. Pulmonary infections of P. multocida have been developed in the patients with chronic pulmonary diseases such as bronchiectasis. In Japan, however, P. multocida respiratory tract infections are rare. In this report, a 80-year-old female with bronchiectasis was admitted on August, 1985. She had a productive cough, hemosputum, and a low grade fever. The chest X-P on admission showed an atelectasis of the left middle lobe and severe bronchiectatic changes of the left lower lobe. P. multocida was isolated from her sputa. The chemotherapy of CTM resulted in clinical improvement. On May 1988, she complained of a productive cough and a low grade fever again. P. multocida was isolated from the sputum on several occasions in significant numbers (1 x 10(8)/ml). Recently, the cases of the chronic respiratory diseases have been increasing. We think, P. multocida is important and should be considered as a pathogen in the care of chronic pulmonary diseases.
Insights
Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) can cause respiratory infections in individuals with chronic lung conditions like bronchiectasis. This case highlights the importance of considering P. multocida in pulmonary disease management.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) is a known animal pathogen causing hemorrhagic septicemia.
- Human infections typically manifest as skin abscesses or septicemia following animal contact.
- Pulmonary P. multocida infections are uncommon, especially in Japan, often occurring in patients with chronic lung diseases.
Observation:
- An 80-year-old female with a history of bronchiectasis presented with productive cough, bloody sputum, and fever.
- Chest X-ray revealed atelectasis and severe bronchiectasis.
- P. multocida was isolated from sputum samples during two separate episodes of illness.
Findings:
- Chemotherapy with CTM led to clinical improvement in the initial episode.
- Recurrent infection showed significant bacterial load (1 x 10(8)/ml) in sputum.
- The patient experienced a second symptomatic episode with P. multocida isolation.
Implications:
- Increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases necessitates awareness of P. multocida as a potential pathogen.
- P. multocida should be considered in the differential diagnosis for pulmonary infections in patients with underlying lung conditions.
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing P. multocida's role in exacerbating chronic pulmonary diseases.