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Murine Corneal Transplantation: A Model to Study the Most Common Form of Solid Organ Transplantation
Published on: November 17, 2014
Pasteurella multocida infection in solid organ transplantation
Eric S Christenson1, Haitham M Ahmed1, Christine M Durand1
1Johns Hopkins University, Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Abstract:
We present a case of fulminant Pasteurella multocida sepsis in a 66-year-old man who had undergone a renal transplant. Our patient lived with two dogs and a cat with which he was very close. We propose that his bacteraemia might have resulted from direct inoculation of P multocida via his cat licking the venous stasis ulcers on his legs. The patient's clinical course was complicated by cardiopulmonary failure and he ultimately succumbed to his infection. P multocida is a rare cause of infections in immunocompromised hosts, epidemiologically linked to exposure to cats, dogs, and other animals. This case of P multocida shows the importance of considering this organism in immunocompromised hosts presenting with severe infections, especially if their history shows exposure to domesticated or wild animals known to be potential carriers of this disease. In this Grand Round, we review the clinical features, epidemiology, treatment, and prognosis of P multocida infections with a focus on these features in patients who are immunosuppressed.
Insights
Fulminant Pasteurella multocida sepsis occurred in an immunocompromised renal transplant patient due to cat exposure. This rare infection highlights the need to consider animal-associated pathogens in immunosuppressed individuals with severe sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Transplantation
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a zoonotic bacterium typically causing mild infections.
- Immunocompromised individuals, particularly transplant recipients, are at higher risk for severe Pasteurella multocida infections.
- Close contact with domestic animals like cats and dogs is a known risk factor for Pasteurella multocida transmission.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old renal transplant recipient developed fulminant sepsis.
- The patient had close contact with household pets, including a cat.
- The sepsis was attributed to Pasteurella multocida, potentially from cat saliva via skin ulcers.
Findings:
- The patient experienced rapid clinical deterioration with cardiopulmonary failure.
- Despite treatment, the infection was fatal.
- This case underscores the potential for severe Pasteurella multocida infections in immunocompromised hosts.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Pasteurella multocida in immunocompromised patients with severe infections, especially with a history of animal exposure.
- Early recognition and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing Pasteurella multocida sepsis.
- Understanding the zoonotic potential of Pasteurella multocida is vital for public health, particularly for organ transplant recipients.
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