Pasteurella multocida

Abstract

Pasteurella multocidais a common cause of infection following bites or scratches caused by dogs and cats. However, it is rarely reported and apparently often overlooked as a pathogen. It causes the typical clinical manifestations of a rapidly developing cellulitis at the site of injury. The infection is potentially dangerous and can cause a chronic local infection of deep tissues and septicemia. However, it responds well to several antimicrobials, with penicillin being the drug of choice. (JAMA233:42-45, 1975)