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[Meningoencephalitis due to Pasteurella multocida: clinico-laboratory study of a case in an infant]
C E Levy1, K Irino, C R Funayama
1Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil.
Abstract:
The authors report a case of Pasteurella multocida meningoencephalitis in a 5 week-old female infant, with special attention to clinical, laboratory and evolutive features. A moderate neurological sequel was observed at follow-up examinations. A brief review of the importance of P. multocida in human pathology is presented on the basis of the international literature, since the authors did not find any Brazilian reports. The most important feature on P. multocida is the prevalence of bacterial meningitis at the extremes of age. Otherwise, significant mistaken was found between Gram stained smears of body fluids for P. multocida and Haemophilus influenzae or Neisseria meningitidis. Because its role in infections following animal bite or scratch and its opportunistic feature, P. multocida must be included among the possible etiologic agent of bacteremia or sepsis in patients with liver cirrhosis or immunosuppression.
Insights
This case study highlights Pasteurella multocida meningoencephalitis in an infant, emphasizing its clinical presentation and neurological outcomes. The review underscores the bacterium
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is an opportunistic pathogen, frequently associated with animal bites and scratches.
- Bacterial meningitis remains a significant concern, particularly in neonates and the elderly.
- Accurate identification of bacterial pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid is critical for effective treatment.
Observation:
- A 5-week-old infant presented with Pasteurella multocida meningoencephalitis.
- Clinical, laboratory, and evolutionary features of the infection were meticulously documented.
- Moderate neurological sequelae were noted during follow-up examinations.
Findings:
- Pasteurella multocida can cause severe central nervous system infections, including meningoencephalitis, in infants.
- Misidentification of P. multocida on Gram-stained smears, with similar-appearing bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae or Neisseria meningitidis, poses a diagnostic challenge.
- The review highlights the prevalence of P. multocida meningitis at the extremes of age.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Pasteurella multocida in the differential diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, especially in young infants.
- Enhanced diagnostic vigilance is required to differentiate P. multocida from other common meningitis pathogens.
- The opportunistic nature of P. multocida necessitates its inclusion in the etiological considerations for sepsis in immunocompromised individuals or those with liver cirrhosis.