Necrotizing and cavitary pneumonia due to Bordetella bronchiseptica transmission from a cat: A case report

Introduction: Bordetella bronchiseptica is an animal-associated respiratory pathogen. Human infection is uncommon but can be severe, especially in older people or those with comorbidities. Case Report: A 75-year-old woman presented with fever, dyspnea, and productive cough. Imaging showed necrotizing cavitary pneumonia. B. bronchiseptica was isolated on respiratory culture, and close daily exposure to a coughing pet cat was the likely source. She improved with intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam and oral ciprofloxacin, with near-complete radiological resolution at six weeks. Conclusion: This case highlights the need to consider zoonotic pathogens in atypical pneumonia, to obtain an exposure history, and to target antibiotics based on microbiology and susceptibility results.