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Updated: Jul 25, 2025
Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
Published on: March 2, 2020
Psoas Abscess Precipitated by an Uncommon Pathogen: Pasteurella multocida
Scott C Everett1, Andrew L Alejo1, Joseph P Myers2
1College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, USA.
Abstract:
A psoas abscess is a rare infection; it is an accumulation of purulent material within the psoas muscle. Common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, Escherichia coli, and other enteric Gram-negative bacilli and anaerobes. These abscesses are thought to occur by either hematogenous spread, contiguous spread from adjacent organs, trauma, or local inoculation. Pasteurella multocida is a pathogen that usually infects a patient via a bite or scratch from dogs or cats and causes cellulitis at the site of the injury. Pasteurella multocida may also cause infection by the colonization of human respiratory and gastrointestinal (GI) tracts with spontaneous bacteremia seeding remote organs by the bacterial translocation process. Pasteurella multocida is highly susceptible to penicillins, cephalosporins, and other antibiotics. However, psoas abscesses usually require a drainage procedure as well as an extended course of antibiotics. We present a patient presenting with a psoas abscess due to P. multocida, an uncommon presentation of infection by this bacterium.
Insights
A rare psoas abscess caused by Pasteurella multocida infection was observed. This case highlights an unusual presentation of P. multocida, typically associated with animal bites, leading to deep tissue infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Psoas abscesses are rare infections involving pus accumulation in the psoas muscle.
- Common causes include Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and other Gram-negative bacteria.
- Infection typically spreads hematogenously, contiguously, or via trauma.
Observation:
- Pasteurella multocida, usually from animal bites, can cause infections.
- This bacterium can colonize human respiratory and GI tracts, leading to spontaneous bacteremia.
- A case of psoas abscess caused by P. multocida is presented.
Findings:
- P. multocida is susceptible to common antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins.
- Psoas abscesses generally necessitate surgical drainage and prolonged antibiotic treatment.
- This report details an uncommon psoas abscess etiology due to P. multocida.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of P. multocida infections.
- Highlights the importance of considering P. multocida in deep tissue infections, even without a clear bite history.
- Suggests the need for vigilance in diagnosing and treating rare bacterial causes of psoas abscess.
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