Severe epiglottitis caused by Pasteurella multocida: A case report and the literature review.

Pasteurella multocida is a small, facultatively anaerobic coccobacillus commonly found in the upper respiratory tract of many mammals, birds, and especially felines. It can cause a wide range of infections in humans, often resulting from bites or scratches from pet animals. The literature has previously reported 15 cases of epiglottitis caused by Pasteurella multocida. Here we describe a case of severe epiglottitis complicated with neck area cellulitis in a previously healthy middle-aged woman. Blood cultures were positive for Pasteurella multocida, likely originating from a scratch by the patient's pet cat. The infection was treated with antibiotics, and the patient required intubation in the intensive care unit for 6 days. Epiglottitis is a life-threatening disease. In epiglottitis caused by Pasteurella multocida, the pathogen is significantly more likely to be detected in blood cultures compared to its involvement in other types of infections. Pasteurella multocida should be considered a zoonosis.