Pasteurella multocida bacteremia and tuboovarian abscess

BACKGROUND: Tuboovarian abscess is commonly associated with sexually transmitted pathogens. We report a tuboovarian abscess caused by a rare pathogen, Plasteurella multocida, which was managed conservatively. CASE: A 50-year-old sexually inactive woman presented with suprapubic pain and fever. Cat scratches were seen on her hand. Ultrasonography showed a 7.9-cm complex cystic adnexal structure. Her fever persisted despite broad-spectrum parenteral antibiotics. After placement of a transvaginal drain, the patient defervesced, and her pain improved. Both blood cultures and cyst aspirates grew Pasteurella multocida. CONCLUSION: Tuboovarian abscess secondary to rare pathogens must be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute febrile pelvic illness in a non-sexually active woman. Minimally invasive drainage procedures may avoid surgery in patients failing initial antibiotic therapy.