INTRODUCTION: Pasteurella multocida, a Gram-negative bacillus, is rarely associated with acute respiratory infections. AIM: To describe a case of fatal P. multocida epiglottitis. RESULTS: A 52-year-old gentleman developed a sore throat and died suddenly within an hour of seeing his general practitioner. Post-mortem findings were consistent with death due to laryngeal obstruction associated with epiglottitis and laryngopharyngitis. A swab taken from the epiglottis for culture was positive for P. multocida. CONCLUSION: Physicians should be aware of the potential for acute deterioration in adults with acute epiglottitis.
INTRODUCTION:Pasteurella multocida, a Gram-negative bacillus, is rarely associated with acute respiratory infections. AIM: To describe a case of fatal P. multocidaepiglottitis. RESULTS: A 52-year-old gentleman developed a sore throat and died suddenly within an hour of seeing his general practitioner. Post-mortem findings were consistent with death due to laryngeal obstruction associated with epiglottitis and laryngopharyngitis. A swab taken from the epiglottis for culture was positive for P. multocida. CONCLUSION: Physicians should be aware of the potential for acute deterioration in adults with acute epiglottitis.