Pasteurella ureae meningitis

Abstract

A 54-year-old man, with a history of alcohol abuse and previous skull fractures, developed a low-grade meningitis. The causative organism was Pasteurella ureae, an uncommon cause of bacterial infection, which has not been reported previously in Australia. The patient recovered after therapy with penicillin. A review of the cases of serious infection with this organism suggests that liver disease and skull trauma are common predisposing factors. Problems with the identification of P.ureae may be encountered unless its particular biochemical properties are recognized.