Pasteurella multocida. Infections after domestic animal bites and scratches

D. P. Francis, M. A. Holmes and G. Brandon

Pasteurella multocida is a common cause of infection followingbites or scratches caused by dogs and cats. However, it is rarely reported and appar-ently often overlooked as a pathogen. It causes the typical clinical manifestationsof a rapidly developing cellulitis at the site of injury. The infection is potentiallydangerous and can cause a chronic local infection of deep tissues and septicemia. However, it responds well to several antimicrobials, with penicillin being the drug ofchoice