The First Recorded Pasteurella multocida Infection Post Abdominoplasty Through a Surgical Drain: A Case Report

The authors report the first case of postoperative Pasteurella multocida infection following elective standard abdominoplasty caused by indirect contamination from a cat-punctured surgical drain. A 51-year-old previously healthy woman underwent uncomplicated standard abdominoplasty but subsequently developed fever, erythema, and abdominal pain. Imaging, aspiration, and microbiological analysis confirmed infection with P. multocida. Further questioning revealed her house cat had punctured the surgical drain, which was subsequently repaired by the patient using superglue to restore negative pressure. Targeted antibiotic therapy led to rapid clinical improvement. This case highlights a novel infection transmission pathway and underscores the need for patient education regarding drain management in pet-owning households.