SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Unusual Case of Pasteurella Bacteremia Associated With Domestic Animal Contact

Pdf Summary

This case report describes a 76-year-old man with COPD, CKD stage III, peripheral vascular disease, and hypertension who presented to the emergency department with altered mental status, fever, chills, and numerous cat scratches and bites. He lived with 61 cats and had sustained multiple recent animal injuries. On arrival, he was septic, with leukocytosis and elevated lactate. CT head was normal, and blood cultures were obtained. He was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and IV fluids.<br /><br />By hospital day three, blood cultures grew Pasteurella multocida, a gram-negative coccobacillus commonly found in the oral flora of cats and dogs. His treatment was narrowed to ceftriaxone for two weeks.<br /><br />The discussion notes that Pasteurella infections are zoonotic and may cause soft tissue, bone and joint, respiratory, or invasive infections such as bacteremia. While many infections are mild, bacteremia can be severe and has a reported mortality rate of about 30%. Risk is higher in patients with underlying conditions, including COPD. In monomicrobial bacteremic infection, preferred therapies include ampicillin-sulbactam or third-generation cephalosporins.<br /><br />The conclusion emphasizes that Pasteurella multocida bacteremia is a potentially life-threatening infection after domestic animal exposure, including bites, scratches, or even licks. Clinicians should consider it in patients with sepsis and recent cat or dog contact, especially those with comorbidities. Early recognition and appropriate antibiotic therapy are key to management.

Asset Subtitle

Sara Hassan

Meta Tag

Author List Keir F. MacKay, Margaret Beliveau, Muhammad Ishaq, Sara Hassan

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Pasteurella multocida

Concept Soft tissue infection

Concept Bacteremia

Concept Sepsis

Concept Zoonosis

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Ocean University Medical Center

Presenting Author Sara Hassan

Track Adult

Keywords

Pasteurella multocida

bacteremia

cat bites

zoonotic infection

sepsis

COPD

blood cultures

ceftriaxone

animal exposure

elderly patient

Pasteurella multocida

Soft tissue infection

Bacteremia

Sepsis

Zoonosis