Pasteurella infection after muraenidae bite in an HIV infected patient

Pierre de Truchis1, Benjamin Davido, Faten El Sayed

  • 1Infectious Diseases Department, APHP, Hopital Raymond Poincaré, Garches, France. p.de-truchis@rpc.aphp.fr

Insights

A Pasteurella dagmatis wound infection occurred in an immunocompromised patient with HIV after a marine animal bite. Diagnosis was confirmed using mass spectrometry and 16S RNA sequencing.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Marine Biology

Background:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
  • Marine environments harbor diverse microorganisms, some of which can cause infections in humans through bites or wounds.

Observation:

  • An immunocompromised patient with HIV presented with a wound infection after a bite from a marine carnivore, likely a muraenidae (moray eel), in the Dominican Republic.
  • The patient's medical history of HIV infection was a significant factor in their vulnerability.

Findings:

  • The wound sample was repeatedly identified as Pasteurella dagmatis using mass spectrometry.
  • The identification was further confirmed through 16S RNA sequencing, ensuring accurate species determination.
  • This case highlights a rare instance of Pasteurella dagmatis infection transmitted from a marine animal.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering marine-associated pathogens in wound infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Accurate identification of the causative agent is crucial for appropriate treatment and management of Pasteurella infections.
  • Further research into marine-associated zoonotic diseases is warranted to improve prevention and clinical outcomes.

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