We describe a man who developed pleural effusion with Pasteurella multocida, and review the reported literature concerning this entity. We identified 21 such cases, including our own. Most patients with P. multocida pleural effusions are immunocompromised and/or have significant co-morbidities. These effusions are typically complicated parapneumonic effusions that are grossly purulent (87%) with a low pleural fluid pH (mean 6.8), high protein (mean 4.8 g/dl) and high LDH (mean 1911 U/L) and low glucose (28.6 mg/dl). Pleural fluid drainage with tube thoracostomy was required in the majority (62%) of cases.
Keywords: Empyema; Pasteurella multocida; Pleural effusion.