Lower respiratory infection in humans caused by pasteurella multocida

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Human Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Pasteurella multocida is a common bacterium found in the upper respiratory tracts of domestic animals like cats and dogs.
• Human infection typically results from bites, scratches, or direct contact with infected animal saliva, usually causing localized skin and soft tissue inflammation.
• While often localized, P. multocida can lead to respiratory tract infections and severe, life-threatening complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify cases of lower respiratory tract infection caused by Pasteurella multocida in humans.
• To determine the potential sources of infection, associated symptoms, comorbidities, and treatments for P. multocida lower respiratory infections.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing flexible video bronchoscopy (FVB) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) microbiological examination was conducted.
• The study period spanned from January 2010 to September 2021, involving 14,258 patients and 16,255 procedures.

Main Results:

• Pasteurella multocida infection in the lower respiratory tract was identified in six patients.
• All identified patients reported recent contact with pets, including bites, scratches, or licking/kissing.
• The predominant symptom observed was a productive cough with mucopurulent expectoration.

Conclusions:

• Lower respiratory tract infections caused by Pasteurella multocida are uncommon in the general human population.
• These infections should be considered in elderly individuals, especially those with pre-existing health conditions and known exposure to cats or dogs.