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Published on: February 23, 2014
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.
Background:
Pasteurella multocida is a rare cause of deep-seated pediatric infections including osteomyelitis and meningitis. We report a case of P. multocida meningitis from Queensland, with a comprehensive review of literature.
Methods:
Three databases were searched for infants < 12 months of age with confirmed P. multocida meningitis. Mode of transmission, clinical and laboratory features, imaging, treatment and complications were reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors for outcomes including short-term neurologic complications, any long-term complications and mortality.
Results:
A total of 74 infants were included, with most cases occurring from indirect household animal contact (42/74; 61%). Bacteremia (38/74; 51%) and seizures (15/74, 20%) were common complications with mortality in 6 children (8%). Young infant age appeared to be the single most important risk factor for bacteremia.
Conclusions:
Infantile P. multocida meningitis although rare has potentially devastating complications. Younger infants are more likely to develop concomitant bacteremia. Household hand hygiene is imperative after trivial interactions with pets.
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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