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Published on: February 23, 2014
Posttraumatic Pasteurella multocida meningitis
S R Roberts1, J W Esther, J H Brewer
1Department of Surgery, St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64111.
Abstract:
The patient described was immunologically compromised by multisystem trauma. Pasteurella multocida was isolated from the respiratory tract and subsequently from the cerebrospinal fluid; direct spread apparently occurred by way of a basilar skull fracture. Sepsis was absent. He was successfully treated but subsequently had hydrocephalus, which has not previously been reported to occur after P multocida meningitis. Because of the opportunistic nature of this infrequent human commensal and the significant morbidity and mortality associated with it, we believe that isolation of Pasteurella multocida from the respiratory tract justifies treatment, especially in the compromised host.
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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