Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2025
A Pleural Effusion Model in Rats by Intratracheal Instillation of Polyacrylate/Nanosilica
Published on: April 12, 2019
Pasteurella Pneumonia With Complicated Parapneumonic Effusion in a Pet Owner
Hajar El Amri1, Soomal Rafique1, Ali Zubairi2
1Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA.
Abstract:
Pasteurella multocida is a gram-negative coccobacillus commonly found in the oral flora of cats and dogs. While often associated with soft tissue infections, such as cellulitis and skin abscess following animal bites or scratches, empyema due to P. multocida is rare and primarily described in case reports. We present a case of a middle-aged woman with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diagnosed with empyema with a complicated course that required long-term antibiotic therapy. Her sputum cultures grew P. multocida; despite living with pet dogs and cats, she denied any recent bites or scratches. This case emphasizes the need for heightened awareness of P. multocida as a respiratory pathogen, particularly in patients with pet exposure and significant comorbidities. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial for managing this rare but serious infection effectively.
Insights
Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium common in pets, rarely causes empyema (pus in the chest cavity). This case highlights its potential as a respiratory pathogen in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pet exposure.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a Gram-negative coccobacillus.
- It is a common component of oral flora in domestic animals like dogs and cats.
- Typically associated with soft tissue infections post-animal bite/scratch.
Observation:
- A case of empyema caused by Pasteurella multocida is presented.
- The patient was a middle-aged woman with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- The infection followed a complicated course requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, despite no reported animal bites or scratches.
Findings:
- Sputum cultures confirmed Pasteurella multocida as the causative agent.
- Empyema due to P. multocida is a rare clinical presentation.
- The patient had significant comorbidities (COPD) and pet exposure.
Implications:
- Highlights P. multocida as a potential respiratory pathogen, especially in immunocompromised individuals with pets.
- Underscores the importance of considering P. multocida in respiratory infections beyond typical animal-associated wounds.
- Emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and targeted therapy for effective management of rare P. multocida empyema.
More Related Videos
15:43Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2014
09:17A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii
Published on: January 2, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include: