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[Human respiratory tract infection by Pasteurella multocida subsp. multocida presumably derived from the cat]
Y Arashima1, N Kubo, Y Iwasaki
1Department of Clinical Pathology, Nihon University School of Medicine.
Summary
A case study in Japan identified Pasteurella multocida subsp. multocida infection in a patient with bronchiectasis, likely transmitted from a pet cat. This highlights the zoonotic potential of this bacterium, emphasizing pet owner health awareness.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Human Medicine
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a known veterinary pathogen causing hemorrhagic septicemia and fowl cholera.
- Human infections range from local to systemic, including respiratory tract infections, sepsis, and meningitis.
- In Japan, P. multocida infections are typically local or respiratory, but severe cases like septicemia in diabetics are emerging.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old male patient with bronchiectasis presented with a respiratory tract infection.
- P. multocida subsp. multocida was isolated from the patient's sputum and subsequently from his pet cat.
- Bacterial isolates from both patient and cat showed identical biochemical properties, drug susceptibility, and serotype (-:1).
Findings:
- This study establishes the first reported case of P. multocida subsp. multocida zoonotic transmission from a pet cat to a human in Japan.
- The identical characteristics of the isolates confirm the cat as the source of the patient's infection.
- The incidence of P. multocida infections is increasing in Japan, necessitating attention to zoonotic risks.
Implications:
- Clinicians should inquire about pet ownership during patient evaluation due to the increasing zoonotic potential of P. multocida.
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing pet-associated zoonoses in medical practice.
- Preventive measures against zoonoses from pet animals are crucial for public health in Japan.