A fatal case of Pasteurella multocida epiglottitis.
BACKGROUND
Pasteurella multocida, a Gram-negative bacillus, is rarely associated with acute respiratory infections.


OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of fatal P. multocida epiglottitis.


RESULTS
A 52-year-old gentleman developed a sore throat and died suddenly within an hour of seeing his general practitioner. Post-mortem findings were consistent with death due to laryngeal obstruction associated with epiglottitis and laryngopharyngitis. A swab taken from the epiglottis for culture was positive for P. multocida.


CONCLUSIONS
Physicians should be aware of the potential for acute deterioration in adults with acute epiglottitis.
O'Connell
K
K
Department of Medical Microbiology, Galway University Hospital, Ireland. karina.oconnell@hse.ie
Fennell
J
J
Callaghan
J
J
Rowaiye
B
B
Cormican
M
M
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D004826:Epiglottitis / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D007827:Laryngitis / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010326:Pasteurella Infections; D016979:Pasteurella multocida / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000150:complications