# Case report of zoonotic infection of Pasteurella Multocida leading to an early stage empyema after a right upper lobectomy

## TL;DR

A 77-year-old patient developed a rare zoonotic infection from Pasteurella Multocida after lung surgery, leading to early-stage empyema.

## Contribution

This case highlights the rare progression of P. Multocida infection to empyema and the importance of early detection.

## Key findings

- P. Multocida was identified in pleural fluid after surgery, initially mistaken for post-haemorrhagic changes.
- Early symptoms of P. Multocida infection may be mild but can progress to severe complications like empyema or infective endocarditis.
- Transthoracic echocardiogram is recommended to rule out infective endocarditis in such cases.

## Abstract

A 77-year-old patient who underwent a right upper lobectomy and lower lobe wedge resection presented with a stage two empyema 3 days postoperatively. The presence of a zoonotic disease of Pasteurella Multocida was confirmed postoperatively having undergone a washout of the thoracic cavity and decortication. The patient had isolated P. Multocida within the pleural fibrin only and mucopurulent fluid initially mistaken for post haemorrhagic changes on computed tomography of the thorax. The presence of P. Multocida within domestic animals is a risk to patients who receive scratches or bites. Early wound infection of P. Multocida development may cause only erythema and tenderness around the wound site but can develop into serosanguinous or purulent drainage. In rare cases it has been reported to progress to infective endocarditis (IE) if left untreated, escalating the need for early detection, treatment and further diagnostic testing such as transthoracic echocardiogram to exclude IE.