Neonatal pasteurellosis: a review of reported cases

Abstract

Background: Pasteurellosis is an uncommon infectious disease in humans mainly caused by Pasteurella multocida infection in neonates and has been rarely reported. Objectives: To review the literature and address the mode of transmission, clinical presentation, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, outcome and potential risk factors related to neonatal pasteurellosis. Methods: A Medline all-languages database search for neonatal (birth-1 month) pasteurellosis cases after 1950 was conducted. Individual references from each publication were also reviewed to identify additional cases. Results: Thirty-two cases were found, but detailed information was available for this review in only 25 cases.

Bacterial Sepsis and Meningitis

“…A review of 25 cases of P. multocida infection in the neonatal period found animal exposure to cats or dogs or both in 52% of cases, most of which did not involve bites or trauma; the balance were believed to represent vertical transmission from an infected mother [715]. Pasteurella multocida is part of the oral flora of dogs, cats, and rodents.…”

Multiorgan Failure and Refractory Lactic Acidosis due toPasteurella multocidaSepticemia in a Patient with No Animal Exposure

“…The primary mechanism of transmission of P. multocida to humans is by direct or indirect contact with animals. Rarely, human-to-human and vertical transmission have been reported [8]. …”

<i>Pasteurella multocida</i> Infective Endocarditis: A Possible Link with Primary Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

“…In trying to elucidate the mode of entry of P. multocida, although human-to-human spread was initially considered via the patient's sexual encounter, such horizontal transmission is rare and although it has been found to occur both horizontally (33) and vertically (34), such cases have occurred in neonates, but not in adults. Moreover, the sexual encounter occurred approximately one month prior to the onset of symptoms, making it a somewhat unlikely cause.…”