Rapidly progressive and lethal septicemia due to infection with Pasteurella multocida in an infant.

We report a case of rapidly progressive pneumonia and meningoencephalitis in a 2-month-old breastfed infant. Culture of cerebrospinal fluid was positive for Pasteurella multocida. No bite or scratch injury as site of entrance could be detected clinically or at autopsy, therefore aerogenic transmission in droplets from a household pet must be considered. Infections with P. multocida have been frequently reported in infants and elderly people; however, rapidly progressive and lethal infections in infants have been described only rarely. These infections must be regarded as preventable through adequate measures of hygiene.