Infection with Pasteurella Multocida, Pasteurellosis (Bacterial Infection Caused by Pasteurella Species) in cats
- Occurrence: common
- Location of illness: General/Whole body
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
Definition
Pasteurellosis is a bacterial infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. in cats caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, which is often found in the normal oralOral means “through the mouth” and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. flora of cats but can cause infections under certain conditions. Pasteurella multocida is a gram-negative, coccoid rod-shaped bacterium that belongs to the normal flora of the upper respiratory tractThe respiratory tract includes the organs and structures involved in the breathing process, including the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. and digestive tract of many animals, including cats. It is known for its ability to cause opportunistic infections, especially when the host’s immune systemThe immune system is the body’s defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. is weakened or when injuries occur that facilitate the entry of the bacterium. The infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. frequently occurs in connection with bite or scratch injuries, as the bacterium is easily transmitted through cat saliva. It can cause skin and soft tissue infections and, in more severe cases, lead to systemic infections. Pasteurella multocida is an opportunistic pathogenA pathogen is a microorganism or virus that can cause disease in its host. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites., meaning it is usually harmless but can cause an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. under certain conditions, such as stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. or an existing illness. The normal defense barrier of the skin or mucous membranes can be weakened by injuries, making it easier for the bacterium to enter the body. Other factors that increase the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. include a weakened immune systemThe immune system is the body’s defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body., chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. diseases, or other existing infections that impair the body’s natural defenses. Since cats are social animals that frequently interact and fight, they are particularly susceptible to bite and scratch injuries, which provide an entry point for the bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease..
The most important facts at a glance
Pasteurella multocida is a bacterium that frequently occurs in the mouths of cats and can cause infections, particularly through bite or scratch injuries. The infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. can also occur as a secondary consequence of existing Wounds or respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. diseases. The most common symptoms include nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. and eye discharge, RespiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress, Abscess formation, reddened conjunctiva, and inflamed ear canals. The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is based on clinical symptoms, medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits., and laboratory tests, with samples from infected sites being examined in the lab. Blood tests and imaging procedures can also contribute to the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients.. Treatment includes the administration of antibiotics such as amoxicillin or clindamycin, as well as cleaning the infected areas. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. SupportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. measures such as a balanced diet promote recovery. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. depends on the severity of the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. and timely treatment, with superficial infections usually healing well. For preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring., bite and scratch injuries should be avoided by creating a calm environment and monitoring the socialization of the cats. Regular veterinary check-ups and good hygiene, including cleaning cat utensils and immediate wound care, are also important to lower the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
Causes
Bite injuries, as the bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. are found in the mouths of many animals, including cats.
Scratch wounds from infected animals.
Secondary infections in existing Wounds or respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. diseases.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a Pasteurella infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. in cats can vary depending on the severity and location of the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. In a superficial skin infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., which often occurs after a bite or scratch, redness, Swelling, pain, and Pus formation can be observed. The affected area may also be warm and sensitive.
If the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. penetrates deeper tissues or spreads systemically, more serious signs can appear, such as Fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. In some cases, the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. can affect the respiratory tractThe respiratory tract includes the organs and structures involved in the breathing process, including the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs., which can lead to RespiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress, Cough, and nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. discharge.
In very rare cases, Pasteurella multocida can lead to a severe systemic infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. that can be life-threatening. This systemic pasteurellosis can be characterized by bacteremia (bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. in the blood), which constitutes a medical emergency. Symptoms can include high Fever, shock, and multipleMultiple means manifold or repeated and is used to describe conditions or events that occur in multiple instances or at different locations. In veterinary medicine, this may indicate multiple lesions, tumors, or other pathological changes. organ failure.
Diagnosis
The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of a Pasteurella infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits., and laboratory tests. A veterinarian will first take the cat’s medical history, particularly whether there have been recent bite or scratch injuries.
An accurate diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is supported by microbiological examinations, where samples are taken from the infected site and tested for the presence of Pasteurella multocida. These samples can be grown in the laboratory using culture methods to isolate and identify the bacterium.
Additionally, blood tests can be performed to determine the extent of the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. and rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. In severe cases where a systemic infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. is suspected, X-rays or ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. examinations may be required to assess the spread of the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
Therapy
Treatment of pasteurellosis in cats usually requires the administration of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Commonly used antibiotics include amoxicillin, clindamycin, or enrofloxacin, which are selected by the veterinarian based on the sensitivity of the isolated bacterium.
In addition to drug therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., it is important to keep the affected area clean and remove any Pus formation or dead tissue to promote healing. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain Abscesses or remove infected tissue.
Supporting the cat’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. through a balanced diet and, if necessary, nutritional supplements can also contribute to recovery. For systemic infections, more intensive treatment, including intravenous fluids and hospitalization, may be necessary.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for cats with a Pasteurella infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. depends on the severity of the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. and timely treatment. Superficial skin infections usually heal well with timely and appropriate treatment. Most cats recover completely without long-term consequences.
With deeper or systemic infections, recovery may take longer, and there is a higher risk of complications. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment are crucial to improve the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. and reduce the risk of complications.
Left untreated or with inadequate treatment, pasteurellosis can lead to serious health problems, including the possibility of sepsisSepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's overwhelming response to an infection, which can lead to damage to its own tissues and organ failure., which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to seek veterinary help immediately if an infection is suspected.
Prevention
The preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. with Pasteurella multocida in cats begins with minimizing situations where bite or scratch injuries can occur. This can be achieved by promoting a calm and stress-free environment where conflicts between cats are avoided. It is important to closely monitor the socialization and behavior of cats, especially in multi-cat households.
Regular veterinary check-ups are also crucial to monitor the cat’s general health and identify potential sources of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. early on. If possible, cats should be kept indoors to minimize contact with strange animals that may be carriers of the bacterium.
Good hygiene is another important preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. factor. This includes regular cleaning of cat utensils such as food bowls and litter boxes, as well as frequent hand washing after handling cats or their waste. In the event of injuries, whether from bites or scratches, the wound should be cleaned immediately with soap and water to reduce the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
By combining these measures, the risk of Pasteurellosis infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. in cats can be significantly reduced, leading to better health and increased well-being for the animals.