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Fatal Pasteurella multocida septicaemia following a cat bite in a man without liver disease
1Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, U.K.
The Journal of Infection
|November 1, 1987
Abstract:
We report a fatal case of septicaemia caused by Pasteurella multocida that followed a cat bite. The patient, a man aged 54 years, was not suffering from disease of the liver but had a history of ischaemic heart disease, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis which had been treated with steroids for 13 years.
Insights
A cat bite led to fatal Pasteurella multocida septicemia in a 54-year-old man. His medical history included ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and long-term steroid use for rheumatoid arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a common bacterium found in the oral flora of domestic animals, particularly cats.
- Bites from infected animals can lead to localized or systemic infections in humans.
- Immunocompromised individuals may be at higher risk for severe Pasteurella multocida infections.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old male presented with a fatal case of septicemia.
- The septicemia was identified as being caused by Pasteurella multocida.
- The infection followed a reported cat bite incident.
Findings:
- The patient had a history of ischemic heart disease, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- He had been undergoing steroid treatment for rheumatoid arthritis for 13 years.
- No underlying liver disease was noted in the patient's medical history.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential severity of Pasteurella multocida infections, even in patients without liver disease.
- Long-term immunosuppression, such as steroid therapy, may increase the risk of invasive Pasteurella multocida infections.
- Prompt recognition and management of animal bite-related infections are crucial, especially in at-risk populations.