Pasteurella Multocida Infection: What It Is and How It Is Treated

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Vamsi Krishna Kedarisetti , General Medicine

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Pasteurella multocida infection is a bacterial illness that can affect both animals and humans. This infection commonly occurs through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a cat or dog. Pasteurella multocida is a type of bacteria found in the mouths of many animals and can be transmitted to humans through broken skin.

The bacteria can cause infection if it enters the body through a wound, leading to various complications. Proper wound care and timely treatment can help prevent the spread of the bacteria and reduce the risk of complications.

What are the Different Types of Pasteurella Multocida Infection?

Pasteurella multocida infection can affect different parts of the body depending on how the bacteria enter the body and the individual's health. Most infections involve the skin and soft tissues after animal bites or scratches, while respiratory and systemic infections can occur less commonly.

Cutaneous Pasteurella multocida infection typically presents as a wound infection after animal bites or scratches.
Respiratory Pasteurella multocida infection can manifest as pneumonia or sinusitis in individuals with underlying lung conditions.
Systemic Pasteurella multocida infection may lead to septicemia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Ocular Pasteurella multocida infection can cause eye infections such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers.
Soft tissue Pasteurella multocida infection can result in cellulitis or abscess formation at the site of inoculation.
Bone and joint Pasteurella multocida infection can lead to osteomyelitis or septic arthritis in rare cases.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications, particularly when the infection involves deeper tissues or spreads beyond the initial site.

What are the Symptoms of Pasteurella Multocida Infection?

When someone has a Pasteurella multocida infection, symptoms commonly develop around the site of an animal bite or scratch. The affected area may become red, swollen, painful, and warm to the touch, and pus or other discharge may develop.

In more severe cases, fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes near the wound can occur. Recognizing these symptoms early is important because Pasteurella infections can progress quickly.

Fever and chills may develop as the infection progresses, indicating a systemic response to the bacteria.
Localized pus or discharge from the wound can be a sign of an active Pasteurella multocida infection.
Swollen lymph nodes near the site of the wound may be palpable and tender in cases of Pasteurella multocida infection.
In severe cases, spreading redness, warmth, and increasing pain at the wound site may indicate a worsening infection.

What are the Causes of Pasteurella Multocida Infection?

Pasteurella multocida bacteria commonly reside in the mouths and respiratory tracts of animals, particularly cats and dogs. Infection usually occurs when the bacteria enter broken skin following a bite or scratch, although other forms of exposure can also result in infection.

People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe infections. Good wound care and prompt medical attention following an animal bite or scratch are important for reducing the risk of complications.

Animal bites or scratches, particularly from cats and dogs, can transmit Pasteurella multocida bacteria to humans, causing infection.
Respiratory exposure to contaminated droplets or secretions from infected animals may lead to Pasteurella multocida infection in susceptible individuals.
Handling or being in close contact with livestock, such as pigs, cows, or poultry, carrying Pasteurella multocida can result in infection.
People with compromised immune systems, like the elderly or those with chronic illnesses, are at higher risk of developing Pasteurella multocida infections.
Environmental exposure to soil or water contaminated with Pasteurella multocida may also be a potential source of infection.

When to See a Doctor for Pasteurella Multocida Infection?

Consult a general practitioner or seek medical attention if you develop symptoms after an animal bite or scratch, as early treatment can help prevent complications and the spread of infection.

Redness, swelling, pain, or warmth at the wound site
Pus, discharge, or delayed healing of the wound
Fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes

Get medical help immediately if:

Rapidly spreading redness or severe pain around the wound
Signs of systemic infection, such as high fever or weakness
Difficulty moving the affected area or signs of deep tissue involvement

These could indicate serious complications related to Pasteurella multocida infection and require urgent care.

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How Is Pasteurella Multocida Infection Diagnosed?

Pasteurella multocida infection is diagnosed using a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The healthcare provider will assess the patient's symptoms, particularly any recent animal bites or scratches and signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge.

Testing can help identify the bacteria and determine whether the infection has spread to deeper tissues or other parts of the body.

Diagnosis of Pasteurella multocida infection typically involves bacterial culture from the affected site, such as wound swabs or respiratory secretions.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing can be performed to detect Pasteurella multocida DNA in clinical samples.
Serological tests may be used to detect antibodies against Pasteurella multocida in the blood.
Imaging studies like X-rays or CT scans may help identify bone or soft tissue involvement in cases of invasive infection.
Clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests are essential for diagnosing Pasteurella multocida infection.

What are the Treatment Options for Pasteurella Multocida Infection?

Treatment for Pasteurella multocida infection typically involves antibiotics to target the bacteria causing the infection. The choice of antibiotic depends on the severity and location of the infection and the individual's clinical condition.

In addition to antibiotic treatment, proper wound care is important to remove contamination and reduce the risk of further infection. Severe or invasive infections may require hospital-based treatment and intravenous antibiotics.

Antibiotics: Commonly used antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin, or appropriate cephalosporins, depending on the clinical situation.
Wound care: The affected area should be properly cleaned and cared for to reduce bacterial contamination and support healing.
Hospital treatment: Severe infections or infections that have spread may require hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, and supportive care.
Pain management: Pain-relieving medicines may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort associated with the infection.
Surgical treatment: Surgery may be required in some cases to drain abscesses or remove infected or damaged tissue.
Follow-up care: Close monitoring helps determine whether the infection is responding to treatment and whether additional intervention is needed.
Complete antibiotic course: Taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed helps reduce the risk of treatment failure and recurrence.

Consulting a healthcare professional is important for selecting appropriate treatment and ensuring complete recovery.

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What are the Risk Factors of Pasteurella Multocida Infection?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing Pasteurella multocida infection, particularly close contact with animals and exposure through broken skin. Certain health conditions can also increase the risk of severe or invasive infection.

Animal bites, particularly from cats and dogs, increase the risk of Pasteurella multocida infection due to the bacteria's presence in their mouths.
Working in veterinary clinics or animal shelters exposes individuals to potential contact with animals carrying Pasteurella multocida.
Chronic liver disease can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to Pasteurella multocida infection.
Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, have a higher risk of developing Pasteurella multocida infection.
Elderly individuals and young children may be at increased risk of complications from Pasteurella multocida infection.

How Can Pasteurella Multocida Infection Be Prevented?

Pasteurella multocida infection can often be prevented by reducing the risk of animal bites and scratches and by providing prompt wound care after an injury. Taking appropriate precautions around animals is especially important for people at higher risk of severe infection.

Avoid unnecessary contact with unfamiliar or aggressive animals.
Clean animal bites and scratches thoroughly with soap and running water as soon as possible.
Seek medical evaluation for deep, contaminated, or high-risk animal bites and scratches.
Follow recommended wound-care and antibiotic instructions provided by a healthcare professional.
Use appropriate precautions when working with animals in veterinary, agricultural, or shelter settings.