# Dogs Licks Are Not Benign: Pasturella Multocida Bacteremia From Household Dog

## TL;DR

Dog licks can cause serious infections like P. multocida bacteremia, even without skin damage, as shown in a case involving a 90-year-old woman.

## Contribution

Highlights P. multocida transmission via dog licks without skin injury, expanding understanding of infection sources.

## Key findings

- A nonagenarian developed septic shock from P. multocida traced to her dog licking her wounds.
- Literature review confirms similar cases of P. multocida transmission via licking.
- Emphasizes the need to consider animal contact as a source of bacterial infections.

## Abstract

Pasturella (P.) multocida is a gram-negative coccobacilli commonly colonized in the oral, nasopharyngeal, and upper respiratory tracts of animals. Infections due to P. multocida range in severity, and symptoms largely depend on underlying immune status and co-morbid conditions. Widely known, the transmission of P. multocida is commonly thought to occur through biting and skin breakage alone. However, multiple studies have highlighted instances of severe complications secondary to transmission through the passage of P. multocida through animal licking alone without skin disruption. Here, we present a case of a nonagenarian female presenting with septic shock secondary to P. multocida with the source of transmission found to be secondary to the patient's dog licking her chronic leg wounds. We also highlight other instances of similar transmission through a literature review, including common treatment courses. We aim to raise awareness of common transmissions of bacteria, specifically P. multocida, along with broadening differentials when one presents with skin and soft tissue infections.