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Perplexing pneumonia: Pasteurella lung infection
Kim Pham1,2, Satish Kalanjeri2, Jeremy Johnson2
1Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Missouri Columbia Health Care, Columbia, Missouri, USA kprw3@umsystem.edu.
Abstract:
Pasteurella multocida, commonly found in the oropharyngeal flora of cats and dogs, typically causes soft tissue infections following animal bites or scratches. Respiratory infections due to Pasteurella are rare and usually occur in individuals with predisposing factors, such as chronic lung disease or immunosuppression. We present an unusual case of an elderly male who developed a Pasteurella lung infection after his cat licked his dentures. The patient, with no significant history of lung disease or immunosuppression, presented with fever, cough and dyspnoea. The diagnosis was confirmed via bronchoalveolar lavage culture, which isolated P. multocida The patient was successfully treated with intravenous ceftriaxone followed by oral amoxicillin-clavulanate. This case highlights the need to consider such pathogens even in the absence of animal bites or scratches and the importance of thorough history-taking to identify indirect sources of infection. Proper denture hygiene in pet owners may reduce the risk of similar infections.
Insights
A rare Pasteurella lung infection occurred in an elderly man after his cat licked his dentures. This case emphasizes considering Pasteurella, even without bites, and highlights denture hygiene importance.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a common oral bacterium in pets, usually causing localized infections after bites or scratches.
- Respiratory Pasteurella infections are uncommon, typically affecting immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic lung conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an unusual case of Pasteurella lung infection acquired indirectly from a pet.
- To emphasize the importance of considering atypical transmission routes and patient history in diagnosing rare infections.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an elderly male patient presenting with respiratory symptoms.
- Diagnosis confirmed by bronchoalveolar lavage culture identifying Pasteurella multocida.
- Treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone and oral amoxicillin-clavulanate.
Main Results:
- The patient, without prior lung disease or immunosuppression, developed a Pasteurella lung infection.
- The infection was linked to a cat licking the patient's dentures, an indirect transmission route.
- Successful treatment with a course of antibiotics was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Pasteurella species should be considered in respiratory infections, even without a history of animal bites or scratches.
- Thorough patient history, including pet contact and hygiene practices, is crucial for identifying indirect infection sources.
- Maintaining good denture hygiene may mitigate the risk of such zoonotic infections in pet owners.
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