Pasteurella multocida endocarditis

Pasteurella multocida is a Gram-negative rod that forms part of the natural oral flora of cats and dogs. It is usually associated with skin and soft tissue infections, as a result of bites and scratches. Although invasive and serious infections by P. multocida are rare, there are limited reports of pneumonia and sepsis. Infective endocarditis (IE) is extremely rare. The case is reported of an 82-year-old male who presented with a productive cough, fever, and shortness of breath, and who was initially diagnosed with pneumonia. Further work-up revealed P. multocida bacteremia and an aortic valve lesion consistent with endocarditis. The patient was treated with antibiotics, and showed significant clinical recovery on follow up.