Posttraumatic Pasteurella multocida meningitis

S R Roberts1, J W Esther, J H Brewer

  • 1Department of Surgery, St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64111.

Insights

Pasteurella multocida meningitis in an immunocompromised patient led to hydrocephalus, a previously unreported complication. Early respiratory tract isolation warrants treatment, especially in vulnerable individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Pasteurella multocida is an opportunistic bacterium.
  • Immunocompromised individuals are susceptible to infections.
  • Multisystem trauma can increase infection risk.

Observation:

  • Pasteurella multocida was isolated from the respiratory tract and cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with multisystem trauma and a basilar skull fracture.
  • The patient did not present with sepsis.
  • The patient developed hydrocephalus following successful treatment for meningitis.

Findings:

  • This case reports hydrocephalus as a novel complication of Pasteurella multocida meningitis.
  • Direct spread from the respiratory tract to the cerebrospinal fluid via a basilar skull fracture is the likely mechanism.

Implications:

  • Isolation of Pasteurella multocida from the respiratory tract necessitates treatment, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
  • Prompt treatment can mitigate severe outcomes associated with Pasteurella multocida infections.
  • Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis of hydrocephalus following Pasteurella multocida meningitis.

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