Animal bites – Pasteurella multocida
Background
Typically, Pasteurella multocida is facultatively anaerobic bacteria and belongs to the genus of gram-negative.Moreover, it is a small, non-motile coccobacillus that possesses bipolar staining characteristics. Besides, Pasteurella multocida does not form spores. Moreover, P. multocida generally manifests as a single bacillus on the grain stain; nonetheless, short chains can be seen. Also, the bacteria typically survives as a commensal in the upper regions of respiratory tracts of various livestock, including poultry as well as domestic animals such as dogs and cats. In addition to that, its species are known to be pervasive commensal bacterial in both domestic and wild animals globally. Further, Pasteurella multocida infections in human beings are mainly linked with an animal bite, lick, or scratch. Local infections of this bacterium normally last within twenty-four hours to forty-eight hours after inoculation. The infections are characterized by inflammation, swelling, and intense pain.
Introduction
Mainly, in a globe where most emerging infectious illnesses are zoonotic, and again, our contact with wild and domestic animals abound, there is an increase in growing awareness of potential acquisition of animal diseases. Pasteurella species are prevalent and are mainly found as part of nasopharyngeal, upper respiratory tracts, and microbiota of the oral. More importantly, these species are opportunistic pathogens that result in endemic illnesses. This paper will focus mainly on P.multicoda, which is the most prevalent illness associated with animal bites.
Pathophysiology
Pasteurella multocida infection typically manifests as an infection that causes complications on an animal’s injury or bites. Abscesses and osteomyelitis are some of the examples of such complications. The commonly known bites from cats are septic arthritis and osteomyelitis. This is as a result of their penetrative teeth. In that regard, non-native septic arthritis may occur.
Pasteurella multocida may also cause infections in the upper respiratory tract, including pharyngitis, mastoiditis, sinusitis, Ludwig angina, and epiglottis. In some exceptional cases, Pasteurella multocida may spawn infections in lower respiratory tracts, for instance, empyema, tracheobronchitis, and pneumonia, especially in persons with underling pulmonary illness.
Diagnosis and treatment
Traditionally, the diagnosis of P. Multocida infections in individuals was mainly grounded on the clinical outcomes, culture, and serological testing. The biggest challenge has been negative results following the easy death of P. multocida.Moreover, serology testing cannot distinguish between the current infection and the previous one. In that regard, molecular detection is the fast and most effective technique for confirming the presence of an active infection of P. multocida.This process is made complete by incorporating the polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, using β-lactam antibiotics, which act as resistance by inhibiting cell wall synthesis can be used to treat P. multocida infection. Besides, the infection can be treated using tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones. Tetracyclines impede the process of protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosome subunit. Also, macrolides can be utilized, especially in the cases of persons with pulmonary complications. Lastly, as a result of the polymicrobial etiology of bacterial infections, its treatment requirement requires antimicrobials that are targeted at eliminating both anaerobic and aerobic gram-positive bacteria. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is the best treatment option.
Wound Management
Mainly, wound management resulting from animal bites; P. Multocida, typically centers on the prevention of infection. The process usually commences by obtaining an in-depth history and also inspecting the bitten part. In that regard, the wound should be thoroughly washed with saline, followed by a surgical consultation as required. Moreover, it is vital to seek form medical help and get some medication to avoid damage to the underlying tissues.
Medication
Mainly, antimicrobial resistance among P. multocida isolates is scarcely reported in people. The medicines commonly associated with this kind of resistance include Penicillin, erythromycin, and tetracyclines. Most importantly, most animal injuries or bites can be treated using oral antimicrobials, and for severe responding infections, hospitalization, parental antimicrobial administration, and surgical intervention may be necessary. Again, most P. multocida isolates are more vulnerable to various oral antimicrobials for instance, the minocycline. Moreover, when selecting antibiotics for any patient manifesting infections after a dog or cat bite, licks, or scratches, it is imperative to have a suspicion for Pasteurella multocida infection. Consequently, most oral antibiotics targeting soft tissue and skin infections will be ineffective against the organism. Since most bite wound infections are regarded as polymicrobial, initial treatment cover for other bacteria such as streptococci must be taken.
Conclusion
To sum up, Pasteurella multocida causes a wide spectrum of both localized and systemic infectious syndrome in humans and animals. Its infections are presented in various patterns, such as septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, among others. The bacteria cause infections on respiratory tracts and also cause systemic infections such as peritonitis and meningitis. Given the potential for critical infections resulting from Pasteurella multocida, it is highly recommendable that families be taught about the preventive measures. More importantly, limiting contact with wild animals and appropriate handling pets, including cats and dogs from licking young children and infants, may assist. Lastly, health officials must educate people on the significance of cleaning scratches and bites. Moreover, it would be necessary to seek instant medical assistance if the wound manifests any sign of infection.