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Pasteurella Multocida Paravertebral Abscess Following Cat Scratch in Revision Spine Surgery: A Case Report
Bradley Richey1, Aditya Muralidharan, Raj Lele
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Case:
A 71-year-old man with a history of multiple revision lumbar spine surgeries following rod exchange with local and systemic infection symptoms including purulent drain output. Imaging demonstrated extensive submuscular fluid collection. Subsequent surgical debridement with deep cultures demonstrated Pasturella multocida; retrospectively, the patient recalled being scratched by his cat 1 week before presentation.
Conclusion:
Pasturella multocida is a rare cause of paravertebral abscess following spinal surgery, but prevalent in cat flora. As domesticated animals are extremely common, clinicians and patients need to be aware of cat scratch as a potential source for postoperative infection through hematogenous seeding of the surgical site in the immediate postoperative period.
Insights
A cat scratch led to a rare postoperative spinal infection. Awareness of potential pet-related infections is crucial for patients and clinicians after spine surgery.
Area of Science:
- Spine Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Postoperative infections can occur after spinal surgery, potentially leading to serious complications.
- While common pathogens are often implicated, rare bacterial causes should also be considered.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of paravertebral abscess caused by Pasteurella multocida following lumbar spine surgery.
- To highlight the potential for domestic animal scratches to be a source of postoperative surgical site infections.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a 71-year-old male patient with a history of multiple lumbar spine surgeries.
- Inclusion of imaging findings (submuscular fluid collection) and microbiological cultures (Pasteurella multocida).
- Retrospective patient history including a recent cat scratch.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with symptoms of local and systemic infection, including purulent drainage.
- Surgical debridement and deep cultures confirmed Pasteurella multocida as the causative agent.
- The patient recalled a cat scratch one week prior to symptom onset.
Conclusions:
- Pasteurella multocida, though rare, can cause paravertebral abscesses after spinal surgery.
- Cat scratches represent a potential, often overlooked, source of postoperative infection via hematogenous seeding.
- Increased awareness among clinicians and patients regarding pet-associated risks is vital for early diagnosis and management.
