Pasteurella Pneumonia With Complicated Parapneumonic Effusion in a Pet Owner.

Pasteurella multocida is a gram-negative coccobacillus commonly found in the oral flora of cats and dogs. While often associated with soft tissue infections, such as cellulitis and skin abscess following animal bites or scratches, empyema due to P. multocida is rare and primarily described in case reports. We present a case of a middle-aged woman with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diagnosed with empyema with a complicated course that required long-term antibiotic therapy. Her sputum cultures grew P. multocida; despite living with pet dogs and cats, she denied any recent bites or scratches. This case emphasizes the need for heightened awareness of P. multocida as a respiratory pathogen, particularly in patients with pet exposure and significant comorbidities. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial for managing this rare but serious infection effectively.