[Pasteurella multocida meningitis with cerebral abscesses]
S Nguefack1, B Moifo2, A Chiabi1
1Service de pédiatrie et sous-spécialités pédiatriques, hôpital gynéco-obstétrique et pédiatrique de Yaoundé, BP 4362, Yaoundé, Cameroun; Faculté de médecine et des sciences biomédicales, université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroun.
Abstract:
Pasteurella multocida is classically responsible for local soft tissue infections secondary to dog bites or cat scratches. It can be responsible for meningitis in infants and elderly persons. We report the case history of a 5-year-old male child admitted to our pediatric unit for meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an infection with P. multocida. The suspected mode of contamination was either from the saliva of a pet dog or through an unnoticed skull fracture sustained after an accident 1 year prior to the occurrence of meningitis. In spite of the neurologic complication (cerebral abscess), the progression was favorable after drainage of the abscess, 5 weeks of parenteral treatment, and 3 weeks of oral antibiotic therapy. Meningitis due to Pasteurella sp. is rare and can lead to neurologic complications. The notion of bites or scratches can be absent and the mode of contamination is sometimes difficult to unveil.
Insights
Pasteurella multocida can cause meningitis, even without a clear bite or scratch history. This rare pediatric case highlights potential contamination routes and favorable outcomes with prompt treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida commonly causes soft tissue infections from animal bites/scratches.
- Meningitis due to Pasteurella multocida is rare, particularly in children.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old male presented with meningitis, confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealing P. multocida.
- Potential contamination sources included a pet dog's saliva or an old, unnoticed skull fracture.
Findings:
- The patient developed a cerebral abscess, a significant neurologic complication.
- Successful treatment involved abscess drainage, 5 weeks of parenteral antibiotics, and 3 weeks of oral therapy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering P. multocida in pediatric meningitis, even without typical exposure history.
- Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in rare Pasteurella-related meningitis cases.
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