Periocular abscess and cellulitis from Pasteurella multocida in a healthy child

PURPOSE: To examine an unusual cause of periorbital cellulitis, Pasteurella multocida, METHODS: Case report, review of the literature. RESULTS: We treated a 13-year-old previously healthy child who developed Pa steurella preseptal cellulitis secondary to a cat bite and cat scratch. Aft er receiving a dose of intravenous antibiotics and starting oral antibiotic s, the child had delayed onset of several abscesses around the right eye, w ith marked pain and erythema. After incision and drainage, he improved. CONCLUSION: Pasteurella multocida is a rare but potentially serious cause o f ocular infection. All cases of potential exposure should be treated promp tly and followed until complete resolution of infection. (Am J Ophthalmol 1 999;128:514-515. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.).