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Colonies of Pasteurella multocida on blood agar. Cultivation 24 hours, aerobic atmosphere, 37°C. P. multocida colonies on 24-h blood agar plates are 1 to 3 mm in diameter and nonhemolytic.
It can cause a zoonotic infection in humans, which typically is a result of bites or scratches from domestic pets. Many mammals and fowl harbor it as part of their normal respiratory microbiota,
displaying asymptomatic colonization. P. multocida is the most common cause of infection from animal injuries (pneumonia in cattle and pigs, atrophic rhinitis in pigs and goats, and wound infections after dog/cat-bites.) A high leukocyte and neutrophil
count is typically observed, leading to an inflammatory reaction at the infection site (generally a diffuse localized cellulitis). It can also infect other locales, such as the respiratory tract. In more serious cases, a bacteremia can result, causing an osteomyelitis or endocarditis.
The bacteria may also cross the blood-brain barrier and cause meningitis.
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