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Pasteurellosis – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, July 05, 2018 by

Pasteurellosis is a bacterial infection often caused by a bite or scratch from an animal – most of the time cats – carrying the Pasteurella multocida bacteria. It is characterized by an inflamed wound. 

This condition is also associated with infection in tissues and organs and possible spread of bacteria in the bloodstream. Once the bacteria enter through the break in the skin, a serious infection called cellulitis may develop.

 

Known risk factors and symptoms of pasteurellosis

Any person who is always in close contact with animals, especially cats and dogs, are at a higher risk of contratcing pasteurellosis. Other factors may include:

  • Susceptibility of the host
  • Potential routes of transmission
  • Number of organisms shed by the animal
  • The ability of the agent to cross species barriers

The symptoms associated with cellulitis usually occur within 24 hours after getting bitten or scratched. Patients may develop the following:

  • Swelling and redness
  • High body temperature
  • Tenderness of the skin
  • Possible discharge of puss
  • Lymph nodes in the affected skin area may become enlarged
  • Chills and fever

Body systems affected by pasteurellosis

The following complications may be caused by pasteurellosis:

  • Localized septic arthritis
  • Localized osteomyelitis
  • Localized tenosynovitis
  • Septicemia
  • Meningitis
  • Respiratory tract infection
  • Appendicitis
  • Liver abscess
  • Peritonitis
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Eye infection
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Corneal ulcer
  • Endophthalmitis

Food items or nutrients that may prevent pasteurellosis

There are no specific food items or nutrient associated with the prevention of pasteurellosis. However, since it is a bacterial infection, consuming a diet which can help strengthen the immune system is recommended.

Treatments, management options for pasteurellosis

Once bitten or scratched, immediately clean the wound and remove any dead tissue. Gently clean the skin in the affected area with an antiseptic solution to prevent further infection. It important not to scrub the wound directly so as not to irritate it and cause further tissue damage.

If you’re suspecting that the wound may be worse than it looks, its best to visit a healthcare expert for further diagnosis and treatment.

Where to learn more

Summary

Pasteurellosis is a bacterial infection caused by a bite or scratch from animals – mostly cats. It often causes cellulitis once the Pasteurella multocida bacteria enter the bloodstream through the broken skin.

People who spend a lot of time with cats and dogs are more at risk of contracting the disease. Once infected, patients may experience swelling and redness, high body temperature, tenderness of the skin, possible discharge of puss, lymph nodes in the affected skin area may become enlarged, and chills and fever.

Possible complications that may be caused by this condition include septicemia, meningitis, respiratory tract infection, appendicitis, liver abscess, and peritonitis, to name a few.

By eating foods and consuming nutrients that can help in strengthening the immune system, there’s a better chance of fighting off the bacteria and infection caused by pasteurellosis. As for treatment, it’s vital to immediately clean the wound and apply antibacterial cream to prevent further infection.

Getting the wound checked by a healthcare provider is also important to ensure that there are no complications.

Sources include:

Medical-Dictionary.TheFreeDictionary.com

HealthyChildren.org

MerckVetManual.com

RightDiagnosis.com

EMedicine.Medscape.com



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