Pasteurella multocida bacteraemia with liver abscess

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology
• Microbiology

Background:

• * *Pasteurella multocida* is a bacterium commonly found in animals, often associated with bites or scratches.
• * Liver abscesses are serious infections requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Observation:

• * A previously healthy woman in her mid-70s presented with symptoms of sepsis and a large liver abscess.
• * Blood cultures identified *P. multocida*, sensitive to penicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.
• * The patient had close contact with pet cats, experiencing occasional scratches.

Findings:

• * The large liver abscess (8.0×7.9×8.5 cm) was not amenable to surgical or radiological drainage.
• * The patient received 109 days of antimicrobial therapy (63 days IV, 46 days oral amoxicillin-clavulanic acid).
• * Complete resolution of the liver abscess was achieved with conservative management.

Implications:

• * This case demonstrates that *Pasteurella multocida* bacteremia and large liver abscesses can occur in immunocompetent adults following non-bite animal exposure.
• * Prolonged antimicrobial therapy can be effective in treating large liver abscesses when drainage is not feasible.
• * Highlights the importance of considering *P. multocida* in the differential diagnosis of liver abscesses, especially in individuals with animal contact.