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Pasteurella multocida Bacteremia Due to Obstructive Pneumonia in an Immunocompromised Patient
Kriti Lnu1, David Orozco2, Carlos Cream1
1Internal Medicine, UPMC Harrisburg, PA, USA.
Background:
Pasteurella multocida is a gram-negative pathogen commonly associated with soft tissue infections caused by bites or scratches from household animals. However, P. multocida infections have been reported without prior zoonotic exposure or associated soft tissue or skin infection in immunocompromised individuals.
Case:
A 73-year-old patient with history significant for multiple malignancies including lung cancer presented to the emergency department with a fever, chills, and rigor. Patient denied any zoonotic exposure and did not have any soft tissue or skin structure infection. Laboratory testing and imaging revealed sepsis secondary to pneumonia and further lower respiratory cultures grew Pasteurella. Subsequent laboratory cultures indicated P. multocida bacteremia.
Conclusion:
This case aims to advance awareness of the possibility of P. multocida infection in patients who do not have any known zoonotic exposure or identifiable skin or soft tissue infection. Nasopharyngeal colonization in immunocompromised individuals could be a source for invasive infection. Patients who have a pre-existing lung disease are susceptible for developing Pasteurella pneumonia, which can serve as the source of bacteremia.
Insights
Pasteurella multocida can cause severe infections like pneumonia and bacteremia, even without animal contact or skin wounds. This highlights the need for awareness in immunocompromised patients, especially those with lung disease.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) is a Gram-negative bacterium.
- Typically associated with soft tissue infections from animal bites/scratches.
- Infections can occur without zoonotic exposure or skin lesions, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old patient with multiple malignancies and lung cancer presented with sepsis.
- The patient reported no zoonotic exposure or skin infection.
- Sepsis was linked to pneumonia, with P. multocida identified in lower respiratory and blood cultures.
Findings:
- P. multocida bacteremia occurred in an immunocompromised patient.
- No history of animal contact or soft tissue infection was reported.
- Pneumonia served as the source for P. multocida bacteremia.
Implications:
- Raises awareness of P. multocida infections in non-traditional settings.
- Suggests nasopharyngeal colonization as a potential source in immunocompromised patients.
- Highlights susceptibility of patients with lung disease to Pasteurella pneumonia and subsequent bacteremia.
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