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Allergy & Immunology151 papers

Infection by Pasteurella multocida

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Pasteurella multocida is a Gram-negative bacterium commonly associated with infections in animals, particularly following bites or scratches from infected animals, leading to conditions such as cellulitis, abscesses, and respiratory infections in humans 3.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical presentation often includes localized infections like cellulitis and abscesses following animal bites or scratches 3.
  • Laboratory confirmation may involve culturing the organism from infected tissues or blood 3.
  • Serological tests or PCR may be used for specific identification and typing 3.
  • Management

  • Antibiotics: First-line treatment typically includes beta-lactams such as amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate due to their efficacy against Pasteurella species 3.
  • Supportive Care: Includes wound care, drainage of abscesses, and monitoring for complications like sepsis 3.
  • Adjunctive Treatments: Pain management and anti-inflammatory agents may be necessary for symptom relief 3.
  • Special Populations

  • No specific recommendations provided in the abstracts for pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or comorbidities related to Pasteurella multocida infections 123.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Initiate empirical antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate for suspected Pasteurella multocida infections (Evidence: Moderate 3).
  • Ensure thorough wound cleaning and appropriate drainage for localized infections to prevent complications (Evidence: Expert opinion 3).
  • Monitor for signs of systemic infection, particularly in high-risk groups, and consider broader antibiotic coverage if indicated (Evidence: Expert opinion 3).
  • References

    1 Irwin A, Vikman J, Ellis H. 'No-one knows where you are': veterinary perceptions regarding safety and risk when alone and on-call. The Veterinary record 2019. link 2 Freeman KP, Bauer N, Jensen AL, Thoresen S. Introduction to ISO 15189: a blueprint for quality systems in veterinary laboratories. Veterinary clinical pathology 2006. link 3 Srivastava KK, Foster JW, Dawe DL, Brown J, Davis RB. Immunization of mice with components of Pasteurella multocida. Applied microbiology 1970. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
    2. [2]
      Introduction to ISO 15189: a blueprint for quality systems in veterinary laboratories.Freeman KP, Bauer N, Jensen AL, Thoresen S Veterinary clinical pathology (2006)
    3. [3]
      Immunization of mice with components of Pasteurella multocida.Srivastava KK, Foster JW, Dawe DL, Brown J, Davis RB Applied microbiology (1970)

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