Pasteurella multocida Bacteremia in a Patient With Ovarian Cancer and Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia
1995
Pasteurella multocida Bacteremia in a Patient With Ovarian Cancer
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): A. Catherine Casey, Jeffrey S. Greenspoon, Leo D. Lagasse
Primary Institution: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Hypothesis
The study evaluates the types of infections caused by Pasteurella multocida in oncology patients.
Conclusion
P. multocida bacteremia is a potential infectious complication in oncology patients, especially those who are neutropenic and have pet contact.
Supporting Evidence
- P. multocida is commonly found in the saliva of domestic animals.
- Immunocompromised patients are at higher risk for severe infections from P. multocida.
- The patient developed bacteremia after a scratch from her pet cat.
- Prompt antibiotic treatment led to resolution of the infection.
- Animal exposure is a known risk factor for P. multocida infections.
Takeaway
If you have cancer and your white blood cell count is low, getting scratched by a pet can make you very sick from a germ called P. multocida.
Methodology
Case report and literature review.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report and may not represent broader trends.
Participant Demographics
A 54-year-old woman with epithelial ovarian cancer.
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