Multiorgan Failure and Refractory Lactic Acidosis due to Pasteurella multocida Septicemia in a Patient with No Animal...

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Human Pathology

Background:

• Pasteurella multocida, a Gram-negative coccobacillus, is a common animal pathogen.
• Human infections can occur via direct contact with infected animals (e.g., cat or dog bites/scratches).
• P. multocida infections in humans range from localized cellulitis to severe systemic conditions like septic shock.

Observation:

• A 56-year-old male presented with acute symptoms including fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Despite no reported animal exposure, the patient developed severe respiratory distress, septic shock, lactic acidosis, and renal failure.
• Blood cultures identified P. multocida as the causative agent.

Findings:

• The patient succumbed to cardiopulmonary arrest secondary to multiorgan failure and refractory septic shock.
• P. multocida septicemia was confirmed as the cause of the patient's critical condition.
• This case highlights the potential for severe outcomes even without a clear history of animal contact.

Implications:

• Prompt recognition of P. multocida is vital for timely intervention and potentially reducing mortality rates.
• Clinicians should consider animal exposure history in unexplained infections, even when not volunteered by the patient.
• This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive patient history in diagnosing and managing rare but severe infectious diseases.