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Pasteurella multocida Septic Shock: Case Report and Literature Review
1Department of Internal Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Pasteurella multocida is a small, Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic coccobacillus that inhabits the normal microbiota of the respiratory tract of several animals, especially cats and dogs. By infecting humans, a wide range of clinical pictures can evolve varying from mild local cellulitis to more severe systemic diseases (e.g., meningitis, pneumonia, endocarditis, and bacteremia). Septic shock is an uncommon complication of P. multocida infection, with less than 100 cases reported in the literature. It is frequently associated with cirrhotic and immunocompromised individuals and rarely immunocompetent ones. Here, we present a case of Pasteurella multocida septic shock in an elderly man secondary to leg cellulitis with a review of the relevant literature.
Insights
Pasteurella multocida, a common animal bacteria, can cause severe septic shock in humans, even in immunocompetent individuals. This case highlights septic shock secondary to leg cellulitis in an elderly man.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a Gram-negative coccobacillus found in animal respiratory tracts.
- Human infections range from localized cellulitis to severe systemic diseases.
- Septic shock is a rare but serious complication of P. multocida infections.
