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Isolation of Pasteurella multocida in a patient with spontaneous peritonitis and liver cirrhosis
Abstract:
A case of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis caused by Pasteurella multocida in a 12 year old boy with previously undiscovered cirrhosis of the liver is reported. This case is discussed and related to eight published cases of spontaneous peritonitis caused by Pasteurella multocida in adults, seven with cirrhosis of the liver and/or alcohol abuse, and one with systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. It would appear that spontaneous bacterial peritonitis caused by Pasteurella multocida is not confined to adults with a history of alcohol abuse or cirrhosis of the liver, but can also affect children with non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.
Insights
A rare case of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis caused by Pasteurella multocida occurred in a child with undiagnosed liver cirrhosis. This finding expands the known patient population for this serious infection beyond adults with alcohol-related liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious infection primarily affecting adults with advanced liver disease, often linked to alcohol abuse.
- Pasteurella multocida is an uncommon cause of SBP in adults, typically associated with underlying cirrhosis or systemic lupus erythematosus.
- The clinical presentation and management of SBP in pediatric populations remain less understood compared to adults.
Observation:
- A case report details a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis caused by Pasteurella multocida.
- The patient presented with previously undiscovered non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.
- This pediatric case is compared with eight previously published adult cases of Pasteurella multocida-induced SBP.
Findings:
- The study highlights that Pasteurella multocida can cause SBP in children, irrespective of alcohol abuse.
- The boy's condition was linked to undiagnosed non-alcoholic cirrhosis, broadening the spectrum of risk factors for this infection.
- Comparison with adult cases reveals similarities and differences in underlying conditions predisposing to Pasteurella multocida SBP.
Implications:
- This case broadens the understanding of SBP etiology, emphasizing that children with liver disease are also at risk for Pasteurella multocida infections.
- It suggests the need for increased clinical suspicion of SBP in pediatric patients with undiagnosed or non-alcoholic cirrhosis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms and risk factors for Pasteurella multocida SBP in diverse patient populations, including children.