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[Three cases of Pasteurella multocida infection in the respiratory tract]
Abstract:
Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) is well recognized as "normal flora" in the upper respiratory tract of cats, dogs and other animals. Recently, various infections due to P. multocida in human have been noted as pulmonary infections in the patients with chronic pulmonary diseases as well as skin abscesses or septicemia after an animal bite or scratch. We report here three cases of respiratory tract infections caused by P. multocida. The first two patients had acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis caused by P. multocida and the other patients with pulmonary emphysema developed pneumonia. These three patients improved by antibiotic therapy. In Japan, P. multocida respiratory tract infection is rare, but it may become more common in the future. Therefore, it seems to be important to take this pathogen into consideration in the management of chronic lung disease.
Insights
Pasteurella multocida, a common animal bacterium, can cause serious respiratory infections in humans. Prompt antibiotic treatment is effective for these rare but potentially increasing lung infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Human Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is typically considered normal upper respiratory tract flora in domestic animals.
- Human infections, though less common, are increasingly reported, particularly following animal bites or scratches, manifesting as skin abscesses, septicemia, or pulmonary infections.
Observation:
- This report details three cases of human respiratory tract infections attributed to Pasteurella multocida.
- Two patients experienced acute exacerbations of bronchiectasis, while a third patient with pulmonary emphysema developed pneumonia.
Findings:
- All three patients diagnosed with Pasteurella multocida respiratory infections showed improvement following appropriate antibiotic therapy.
- These cases highlight the potential for Pasteurella multocida to cause significant pulmonary disease in humans.
Implications:
- While rare in Japan, Pasteurella multocida respiratory infections may become more prevalent.
- Clinicians managing patients with chronic lung conditions should consider Pasteurella multocida as a potential pathogen.