Pasteurella multocida infectious arthritis with acute gout after a cat bite

Abstract

A 74-year-old man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, immune purpura, and gout presented with a painful, swollen ankle after a cat bite to his leg. On aspiration of the ankle, gram negative pleomorphic rods and monosodium urate crystals were seen and Pasteurella multocida was cultured. He was treated with ampicillin/sulbactam, joint aspiration, and intraarticular steroids, with resolution of infection and return of joint function. The syndromes of Pasteurella arthritis and crystal arthropathy with septic arthritis are reviewed.