Deck 29: Pasteurella and Similar Organisms

Question 1

Which of the following bacterial species is part of animal flora and is transmitted to humans during close animal contact, including bites?

A)Sphingomonas paucimobilis
B)Eikenella corrodens
C)Pasteurella multocida
D)Weeksella virosa
E)All of the above are correct.

Answer 1

C
The majority of the organisms presented in Chapter 32 are part of animal flora and are transmitted to humans during close animal contact, including bites. For most, virulence factors are not recognized and the organisms may be considered opportunistic pathogens that require mechanical disruption of the host's anatomic barriers, such as occurs with bite-induced wounds. Of the organisms listed, Pasteurella multocida is the species most commonly encountered in clinical specimens.

Question 2

Although most other clinically relevant gram-negative bacilli are intrinsically resistant to penicillin, it is the drug of choice for infections involving

A)Sphingomonas paucimobilis.
B)Eikenella corrodens.
C)Pasteurella multocida.
D)Weeksella virosa.
E)All of the above are correct.

Answer 2

C
An unusual feature of the organisms considered in this chapter is that most are susceptible to penicillin. Although most other clinically relevant gram-negative bacilli are intrinsically resistant to penicillin, it is the drug of choice for infections involving P. multocida and several other species discussed in Chapter 32.