Infantile Pasteurella multocida Meningitis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Christian Inglis1, Sophie C H Wen2,3, Vishal Kapoor1

  • 1From the General Paediatric Medicine.

Abstract

Insights

Pasteurella multocida meningitis in infants is rare but serious. Younger infants face higher risks of bacteremia, emphasizing the need for household hand hygiene after pet contact.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Pasteurella multocida is an uncommon pathogen causing severe pediatric infections like meningitis.
  • This study focuses on P. multocida meningitis in infants, a condition with potentially severe outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of P. multocida meningitis in infants.
  • To identify risk factors and predictors for complications and mortality in affected infants.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of three databases for infants (< 12 months) with confirmed P. multocida meningitis.
  • Analysis of transmission, clinical/laboratory findings, imaging, treatment, and outcomes.
  • Logistic regression to assess predictors of neurologic complications, long-term complications, and mortality.

Main Results:

  • 74 infants were included; 61% acquired infection via indirect household animal contact.
  • Common complications included bacteremia (51%) and seizures (20%); 8% of infants died.
  • Younger infant age was the primary risk factor for developing bacteremia.

Conclusions:

  • Infantile P. multocida meningitis, though rare, carries significant risks of severe complications.
  • Younger infants are more susceptible to concurrent bacteremia.
  • Strict household hand hygiene after contact with pets is crucial for prevention.

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