More Than a Case of Cellulitis: Pasteurella multocida Bacteremia

Abstract

Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) is an anaerobic Gram-negative coccobacilli belonging to the Pasteurella genus. It is found in many animals' oral cavities and gastrointestinal tracts, including those of cats and dogs. In this case report, we present an individual with cellulitis of the lower extremity who was later found to have P. multocida bacteremia. The patient had four pet dogs and one pet cat. He denied obtaining any scratches or bites from the pets. The patient initially presented to an urgent care center complaining of a one-day history of proximal left lower extremity edema, erythema, and pain. He was diagnosed with left leg cellulitis and discharged home on antibiotics. Three days after the patient was discharged home from the urgent care center, blood cultures returned positive for P. multocida. The patient was then admitted for inpatient treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Clinicians should always ask about domestic and wild animal exposure, even in the absence of bites or scratches. In the immunocompromised patient presenting with cellulitis, clinicians should consider the possibility of P. multocida bacteremia in those with pet exposure.

Keywords: bacteremia; cellulitis; clinician education; immunocompromised; pasturella multocida.

Figure 1. Left foot blister four days after presenting to the urgent care center