Pasteurella multocida bacteremia due to non-bite animal exposure in cirrhotic patients: report of two cases.

Pasteurella species are very small gram-negative coccobacilli. They are normal flora found in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract of many animals, and can cause various infections including septicemia and pneumonia. Human infection with Pasteurella multocida occurs commonly as a localized cellulitis caused by animal bites. This report described 2 rare cases of P. multocida bacteremia in patients with liver cirrhosis and esophageal varices. Both patients had a history of contact with sick-appearing stray dogs, but neither had been bitten. P. multocida bacteremia should be included in the differential diagnosis of febrile cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices who have a history of non-bite animal exposure. Avoidance of animal contact by immunocompromised patients is the most important factor in preventing pasteurellosis.