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Published on: February 17, 2014
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
Abstract:
We report a case of Pasteurella dagmatis wound infection in an immunocompromised HIV infected patient after bite by a marine carnivore in Caribbean Sea (Dominican Republic), presumably a muraenidae. Identification of the Pasteurella species from wound sampling was obtained twice by mass spectrometry and confirmed by 16S RNA sequencing.
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.

