__NOTOC__ ''Pasteurella'' is a

genus Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...

Gram-negative Gram-negative bacteria are bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method of bacterial differentiation. They are characterized by their cell envelopes, which are composed of a thin peptidoglycan cell wall ...

bacteria Bacteria (; singular: bacterium) are ubiquitous, mostly free-living organisms often consisting of one biological cell. They constitute a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. Typically a few micrometres in length, bacteria were among ...

. ''Pasteurella'' species are non motile and pleomorphic, and often exhibit bipolar staining ("safety pin" appearance). Most species are

catalase Catalase is a common enzyme found in nearly all living organisms exposed to oxygen (such as bacteria, plants, and animals) which catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. It is a very important enzyme in protecting t ...

- and

oxidase In biochemistry, an oxidase is an enzyme that catalyzes oxidation-reduction reactions, especially one involving dioxygen (O2) as the electron acceptor. In reactions involving donation of a hydrogen atom, oxygen is reduced to water (H2O) or hydro ...

-positive. The genus is named after the French

chemist A chemist (from Greek ''chēm(ía)'' alchemy; replacing ''chymist'' from Medieval Latin ''alchemist'') is a scientist trained in the study of chemistry. Chemists study the composition of matter and its properties. Chemists carefully describe th ...

and

microbiologist A microbiologist (from Ancient Greek, Greek ) is a scientist who studies microscopic life forms and processes. This includes study of the growth, interactions and characteristics of Microorganism, microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, f ...

Louis Pasteur Louis Pasteur (, ; 27 December 1822 – 28 September 1895) was a French chemist and microbiologist renowned for his discoveries of the principles of vaccination, microbial fermentation and pasteurization, the latter of which was named afte ...

, who first identified the bacteria now known as '' Pasteurella multocida'' as the agent of

chicken cholera Fowl cholera is also called avian cholera, avian pasteurellosis, avian hemorrhagic septicemia. Abraham b. It is the most common pasteurellosis of poultry. As the causative agent is ''Pasteurella multocida'', it is considered to be a zoonosis. Adu ...

Pathogenesis

Many ''Pasteurella'' species are zoonotic pathogens, and humans can acquire an infection from domestic animal bites. In cattle, sheep, and birds, ''Pasteurella'' species can cause a life-threatening

pneumonia Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung primarily affecting the small air sacs known as alveoli. Symptoms typically include some combination of productive or dry cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. The severity ...

; in cats and dogs, however, ''Pasteurella'' is not a cause of disease, and constitutes part of the normal

flora Flora is all the plant life present in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring (indigenous) native plants. Sometimes bacteria and fungi are also referred to as flora, as in the terms '' gut flora'' or '' skin flora''. E ...

of the nose and mouth. ''Pasteurella haemolytica'' is a species that infects mainly cattle and horses: '' P. multocida'' is the most frequent causative agent in human ''Pasteurella'' infection. Common symptoms of pasteurellosis in humans include swelling, cellulitis, and bloody drainage at the site of the wound. Infection may progress to nearby joints, where it can cause further swelling, arthritis, and

abscess An abscess is a collection of pus that has built up within the tissue of the body. Signs and symptoms of abscesses include redness, pain, warmth, and swelling. The swelling may feel fluid-filled when pressed. The area of redness often extends b ...

es. ''Pasteurella'' spp. are generally susceptible to

chloramphenicol Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. This includes use as an eye ointment to treat conjunctivitis. By mouth or by injection into a vein, it is used to treat meningitis, plague, cholera, a ...

, the

penicillin Penicillins (P, PCN or PEN) are a group of β-lactam antibiotics originally obtained from ''Penicillium'' moulds, principally '' P. chrysogenum'' and '' P. rubens''. Most penicillins in clinical use are synthesised by P. chrysogenum using ...

tetracycline Tetracycline, sold under various brand names, is an oral antibiotic in the tetracyclines family of medications, used to treat a number of infections, including Acne vulgaris, acne, cholera, brucellosis, plague (disease), plague, malaria, and sy ...

, and the macrolides. The common occurrence of the bacteria is a reason to be medically proactive and defensive (antibacterial treatments are often necessary) if a bite occurs. Several vaccine preparations were used to prevent ''Pasteurella'' infection. New regimens for vaccination and vaccine formulation showed to be promising for the control of the pathogen.

In animals

''P. multocida'' is also known to cause morbidity and mortality in rabbits. The predominant syndrome is upper respiratory disease. ''P. multocida'' can be endemic among rabbit colonies and is often transmitted through nasal secretions. ''P. multocida'' can survive several days in water or moist areas. ''Pasturella'' spp. can be transmitted through the bite of a dog. They have also been reported in red kangaroos and potoroos.

Antibiotic sensitivity

''P. multocida'' is highly sensitive to enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, chloramphinicol, and ampicillin.

Possible complications

Osteomyelitis is a possible complication of ''P. multocida,'' which can subsequently lead to necrotizing fasciitis.

References

External links

Man 'first rabbit flu victim' - BBC News"Your Bunny Probably Has It - ''Pasteurella''" by Astrid M. Kruse, DVM
Pasteurellales Bacteria genera {{Gammaproteobacteria-stub