Pasteurella multocida acute epiglottitis

Apart from cases related to direct inoculation, pasteurellosis is a rare opportunistic infection occurring in predisposed subjects. Close contact with domestic animals, usually cats, is generally reported. Localized ENT forms are possible and are due to oropharyngeal carriage.

We present the case of a patient with no notable history, who presented with laryngeal dyspnea and hyperthermia leading to a diagnosis of acute epiglottitis. Bacteremia was detected and blood cultures were positive for Pasteurella multocida. Treatment consisted of the standard treatment for acute epiglottitis with hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotics.

This patient presented a history of animal exposure, but no other known risk factors. The activity spectrum of antibiotic therapy for epiglottitis should include H. influenzae and this case illustrates the diversity of the micro-organisms potentially involved. Immunosuppression or another chronic disease does not appear to be a prerequisite for ENT infection.