[Human Pasteurella multocida infections. Value of serological diagnosis]

In five human cases of Pasteurella multocida infection, high titres of specific antibodies were found by indirect haemagglutination (capsular antigens) and agglutination (somatic antigens). The specificity of the antibodies fitted with the serotypes of the isolated strains (three A 3 and two A 7). Subsequent changes in antibody titres in human beings were similar to those observed in animals. The risk of this animal-acquired infection being probably underestimated in medical practice, the usefulness of these tests in human beings is discussed.