Puzzling encounter of idiopathic pasteurella bacteraemia

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Pasteurella multocida is a Gram-negative coccobacillus, a common zoonotic pathogen transmitted via animal bites.
• Infections are typically mild but can be severe in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with cirrhosis.
• P. multocida bacteremia is rare, with only 13 reported cases, mostly in patients with liver disease and comorbidities.

Observation:

• An elderly patient with mixed hyperlipidemia presented after a mechanical fall.
• The patient developed acute renal failure and septic shock.
• Blood cultures confirmed Pasteurella multocida bacteremia.

Findings:

• This case represents a rare instance of P. multocida bacteremia in an elderly patient without significant immunosuppression or liver disease.
• The infection led to severe complications including septic shock and acute renal failure.
• The patient's mixed hyperlipidemia was the only notable comorbidity.

Implications:

• Highlights the potential for severe Pasteurella multocida infections in unexpected patient populations.
• Underscores the importance of considering P. multocida in cases of sepsis and acute renal failure, regardless of traditional risk factors.
• Suggests that even mild comorbidities may predispose individuals to severe outcomes from zoonotic infections.