Work

Case report of zoonotic infection of Pasteurella Multocida leading to an early stage empyema after a right upper lobectomy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A 77-year-old patient who underwent a right upper lobectomy and lower lobe wedge resection presented with a stage two empyema 3 days postoperatively. The presence of a zoonotic disease of Pasteurella Multocida was confirmed postoperatively having undergone a washout of the thoracic cavity and decortication. The patient had isolated P. Multocida within the pleural fibrin only and mucopurulent fluid initially mistaken for post haemorrhagic changes on computed tomography of the thorax. The presence of P. Multocida within domestic animals is a risk to patients who receive scratches or bites. Early wound infection of P. Multocida development may cause only erythema and tenderness around the wound site but can develop into serosanguinous or purulent drainage. In rare cases it has been reported to progress to infective endocarditis (IE) if left untreated, escalating the need for early detection, treatment and further diagnostic testing such as transthoracic echocardiogram to exclude IE.

Source: Journal of Surgical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjag043

Author: Michael Kay

Institution: Essex Cardiothoracic Centre

Language: English

Topic: Microbial infections and disease research

Subfield: Microbiology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,000