Meningitis in a young infant

Pasteurella multocida: from zoonosis to cellular microbiology

In a world where most emerging and reemerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in nature and our contacts with both domestic and wild animals abound, there is growing awareness of the potential for human acquisition of animal diseases. Like other Pasteurellaceae, Pasteurella species are highly prevalent among animal populations, where they are often found as part of the normal microbiota of the oral, nasopharyngeal, and upper respiratory tracts. Many Pasteurella species are opportunistic pathogens that can cause endemic disease and are associated increasingly with epizootic outbreaks. Zoonotic transmission to humans usually occurs through animal bites or contact with nasal secretions, with P. multocida being the most prevalent isolate observed in human infections. Here we review recent comparative genomics and molecular pathogenesis studies that have advanced our understanding of the multiple virulence mechanisms employed by Pasteurella species to establish acute and chronic infections. We also summarize efforts being explored to enhance our ability to rapidly and accurately identify and distinguish among clinical isolates and to control pasteurellosis by improved development of new vaccines and treatment regimens.

Pasteurella multocida meningitis in newborns after incidental animal exposure

We present briefly 2 newborns with Pasteurella multocida meningitis following incidental household exposure to domestic pets and review 36 additional cases from the literature. Of 38 reported cases of P. multocida meningitis during infancy, 18 were less than or equal to 1 month of age. All but one of the infants less than 1 month of age had documented exposure to household dogs and/or cats, most only incidentally.