Acute Cholecystitis with Bacteremia Caused by Pasteurella multocida

Abstract

Pasteurella multocida is a commensal organism present in the oral cavities of many animals. It can cause various infections including soft tissue, joint, and respiratory infections in human beings, but intra-abdominal infection by P. multocida is rare. We report our experience with a case of acute cholecystitis with bacteremia caused by P. multocida. The patient was a 39-year-old female who underwent emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. The patient's blood and bile cultures were positive for P. multocida. She kept a dog and a cat as pets, but denied having had any bites or major scratches. Our investigation did not find that she had any sign of other potential sources of infection. Acute cholecystitis can be a primary source of Pasteurella bacteremia in a previously healthy, young patient.