__NOTOC__ ''Pasteurella'' is a genus of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacteria. ''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-positive. The genus is named after the French chemist 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; in cats and dogs, however, ''Pasteurella'' is not a cause of disease, and constitutes part of the normal flora 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 ...

s, tetracycline, 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