# From Animals to Arthroplasty: Insights From Three Cases of Pasteurella Prosthetic Joint Infection and a Comprehensive Review of the Literature

## TL;DR

This paper reports three cases of joint infections caused by Pasteurella bacteria after animal contact and highlights the risks for people who have had joint replacements.

## Contribution

The study adds three new clinical cases and provides a comprehensive review of Pasteurella prosthetic joint infections.

## Key findings

- Pasteurella infections after animal contact are rare but serious for joint replacement patients.
- Most infections occurred after scratches, bites, or licks from cats and dogs.
- Patients often underestimate the risk of infection from minor animal injuries.

## Abstract

Pasteurella spp. are rare but important zoonotic pathogens that can cause prosthetic joint infection (PJI). We present 3 cases of Pasteurella prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) following close animal contact that required treatment with DAIR (debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention) procedures. An extensive literature review was performed which identified 57 described cases of PJI. Transmission commonly occurred following scratches, bites and licks from cats and dogs. Patients often do not recognise the potential severity of these injuries and should be warned following arthroplasty of the risks of infection due to Pasteurella spp. following close contact with these animals, particularly given the increased morbidity and mortality associated with PJI.