Case Report

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis with Pasteurella Multocida in Cirrhosis: Case Report and Review of Literature

Authors: Ila Tamaskar, MD, Keyvan Ravakhah, MD, MBA, FACP

Abstract

Most Pasteurella multocida human infections involve skin and soft tissues and invariably develop after a bite or a scratch from a dog or a cat. However, other infections with this organism occur infrequently. Enteric microorganisms are the common cause of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). We report a case of SBP in a cirrhotic patient from P multocida.English literature (Pubmed) review revealed 12 adult cases of SBP in cirrhotic patients with P multocida. Nine patients were exposed to animals, though a break in the skin or a bite was not reported in each case. The SBP was fatal in four of these patients.


Key Points


* Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) caused by Pasteurella multocida is rare.


* P multocida SBP has a very high mortality rate when it occurs.


* Avoidance of animal contact and empiric antibiotic coverage for P multocida is advocated.

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