Properties

Pathogenesis

Clinical findings

Laboratory diagnosis

Treatment & Prevention

P. multocida is a short, encapsulated gram-negative rod

Part of normal flora in mouths of many animals, including domestic cats & dogs.

Transmitted by biting.

Capsule is a virulence factor with endotoxin present in cell wall.

No exotoxins are made.

Disease: wound infections associated with cat & dog bites.

Rapid onset of cellulitis at site of animal bite.

Complication: osteomyelitis.

Finding organism in a culture of sample from the wound site.

Penicillin G.

Prevention: people bitten by a cat should be given ampicillin to prevent P.multocida infection.