Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Commensal and multidrug-resistant Neisseria spp. sepsis in feline.
- Journal:
- Journal of infection in developing countries
- Year:
- 2022
- Authors:
- Koiyama, Maíra Fernanda Gonçalves et al.
- Affiliation:
- Uniprofessional Residency Program in Veterinary Medicine · Brazil
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat was diagnosed with a serious condition called sepsis, which is when the body has a severe response to infection. This particular cat had not eaten for four days, was having trouble breathing, and was very weak. After tests, it was found that a type of bacteria called Neisseria, which usually lives harmlessly in the mouth, was causing the infection. Despite treatment with antibiotics, the cat sadly passed away after 11 days. The examination after death showed severe infections in the heart and lungs, indicating that this type of bacteria can lead to serious illness in cats.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is a serious problem in felines with a mortality rate ranging from 29-79%. Neisseria spp. is considered a commensal microorganism of the oral cavity of dogs and cats and is usually isolated from human wounds resulting from bites of these animals. CASE REPORT: The present report describes clinical, imaging and laboratory findings of a feline with sepsis wherein commensal and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Neisseria spp. was isolated. The feline presented a history of four days of anorexia, dyspnea, prostration, and, pericardial, pleural and abdominal effusions. Pericardiocentesis was performed and hemorrhagic exudate was observed. The animal died after 11 days of treatment with gentamicin and amoxicillin combined with clavulanic acid. During necropsy, the abdominal cavity was found to be filled with greenish-yellow content and the pericardial sac was thickened with a large amount of purulent secretion. Histopathology revealed sepsis with necrotizing suppurative pericarditis, diffuse mononuclear pneumonia and necrotic pleuritis, leading to secondary bacterial infection. CONCLUSIONS: Commensal Neisseria spp. are important zoonotic bacteria, which trigger a serious disease in felines. However, it has not been reported to cause sepsis with pneumonia, suppurative necrotizing pericarditis and pericardial effusion.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36223630/