Severe epiglottitis caused by : A case report and the literature review

Abstract

Pasteurella multocida is a small, facultatively anaerobic coccobacillus commonly found in the upper respiratory tract of many mammals, birds, and especially felines. It can cause a wide range of infections in humans, often resulting from bites or scratches from pet animals. The literature has previously reported 15 cases of epiglottitis caused by Pasteurella multocida . Here we describe a case of severe epiglottitis complicated with neck area cellulitis in a previously healthy middle-aged woman. Blood cultures were positive for Pasteurella multocida , likely originating from a scratch by the patient’s pet cat. The infection was treated with antibiotics, and the patient required intubation in the intensive care unit for 6 days. Epiglottitis is a life-threatening disease. In epiglottitis caused by Pasteurella multocida , the pathogen is significantly more likely to be detected in blood cultures compared to its involvement in other types of infections. Pasteurella multocida should be considered a zoonosis.