Feline Pasteurella Infection: A Comprehensive Medical Guide

Overview

Pasteurella species are a group of gram‑negative bacteria that commonly inhabit the mouths, noses, and upper respiratory tracts of cats (and other animals). When these bacteria are transmitted to humans, they can cause “Pasteurella infection,” often after a cat bite, scratch, or even close contact with saliva. The infection can range from a mild local skin reaction to severe systemic disease.

Who it affects: Anyone who handles cats—pet owners, veterinarians, animal shelter workers, and children—can be exposed. Immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and people with chronic lung or liver disease are at higher risk for serious outcomes.

Prevalence:

• Approximately 30–50 % of cat bite wounds become infected, and Pasteurella is isolated in 70 %–90 % of those cases (CDC, 2023).
• In the United States, there are an estimated 300,000 cat‑bite injuries treated in emergency departments each year, with Pasteurella accounting for the majority of bacterial isolates (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2022).
• Globally, the exact prevalence is unknown, but studies from Europe and Asia report similar rates of Pasteurella in