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Published on: February 23, 2014
Acute Pasteurella multocida pneumonia
Abstract:
Acute pneumonia caused by Pasteurella multocida appeared in two elderly patients. One patient had chronic obstructive lung disease and the other developed aspiration pneumonia after an episode of cardiac arrest. Pasteurella multocida was not isolated from the initial sputum cultures. The delay in recognizing the pathogen resulted in extension of the pneumonia and abscess formation in the patient with obstructive lung disease. Pasteurella multocida was isolated from a percutaneous transtracheal aspirate in both patients and from the blood of one. They recovered after treatment with a penicillin administered in higher than usual dosage over a period of several weeks.
Insights
Acute pneumonia caused by Pasteurella multocida can occur in elderly patients, particularly those with underlying conditions. Prompt diagnosis via transtracheal aspirates and prolonged high-dose penicillin treatment are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Elderly patients are susceptible to severe pneumonia.
- Chronic obstructive lung disease and aspiration events increase pneumonia risk.
Observation:
- Two elderly patients presented with acute pneumonia.
- Pasteurella multocida was initially missed in sputum cultures.
- One patient developed lung abscess due to delayed pathogen identification.
Findings:
- Pasteurella multocida was identified through percutaneous transtracheal aspirates in both cases.
- Bacteremia was present in one patient.
- High-dose, prolonged penicillin therapy led to recovery.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering Pasteurella multocida in severe pneumonia, especially in at-risk elderly patients.
- Emphasizes the diagnostic value of transtracheal aspirates when initial cultures are negative.
- Suggests aggressive antibiotic treatment protocols for effective management of Pasteurella multocida pneumonia.
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