Pasteurella multocida wound infection transmitted by a pet dog

Abstract

Introduction Human pasteurellosis is a severe human infection that accounts for 20-30 human deaths annually worldwide. Μucous secretions derived from pets comprise the primary source of infection, which are transmitted through animal scratches or bites. Case report We describe a case of Pasteurella multocida wound infection in an immunocompetent adult with a decubitus ulcer of the lower extremity. The organism was also isolated from an oral swab of the patient's dog with which he reported close contact. The patient had a favorable outcome following aggressive surgical debridement, antimicrobial treatment and subsequent wound care. Conclusion Our case illustrates that licking of open wound is an alternative source of infections by Pasteurella multocida, and emphasizes the need for avoidance of wound contact with animals.

Occurrence of Pasteurella multocida in Dogs Being Trained for Animal-Assisted Therapy

“…In fact, this non-pharmacological therapy has been performed in healthcare settings such as hospitals or healthcare facilities and is often aimed at patients belonging to risk categories (e.g., dialysis patients, Alzheimer’s disease patients, and immunosuppressed or immunocompromised patients) [ 7 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. In line with the current literature, the zoonotic risk is much higher for immunocompromised people but is also present for immunocompetent people [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 41 ]. In recent scientific literature, different case reports of transmission to humans through licking and other forms of contact with dogs have been reported.…”

“…Therefore, the authors recommended considering this organism as a differential diagnosis not only in immunocompromised patients, but also in immunocompetent patients. Maraki et al [ 25 ] described a case of a P. multocida infection in a 57-year-old immunocompetent male adult who had a decubitus ulcer of the lower limbs, emphasizing the need to avoid contact between the wound and the saliva of dogs. Abreu et al [ 28 ] reported the case of a urinary tract infection by P. multocida in an 83-year-old male person.…”

“…Zoonotic transmission usually occurs through a bite from a dog and by contact with the animal’s saliva or nasal secretions [ 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Although cases of P. multocida infection have been reported more often in people from risk categories, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals [ 22 ], case reports of infection have also been reported in immunocompetent subjects [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. In humans, P. multocida can cause serious infections, both invasive and localized, in the oral cavity, respiratory tract, and soft tissue, including pharyngitis, sinusitis, meningitis, tracheobronchitis, pneumonia, empyema, and abscess [ 10 , 18 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

Oral flora of stray dogs and cats in Algeria: Pasteurella and other zoonotic bacteria

“…In humans, P. multocida is the most common pathogens isolated from soft-tissue infections resulting from 50% of dog bites, 75% of cat bites or scratches, and less frequently from licks on skin abrasions by pets [ 9 , 13 , 14 , 31 ].…”

“…In humans, P . multocida is isolated from 50% of dog bite wounds, 75% of cat bite wounds or scratches, and less frequently from licks [ 13 , 14 ].…”