Pasteurella and Mannheimia species - Overview

Pasteurella
Order	Gamma Proteobacteria
Family	Pasteurellaceae
Genus	Pasteurella

Overview

The Pasteurella and Mannheimia species are small, Gram-negative bacilli or coccobacilli that are facultative anaerobes and oxidase-positive. They are usually opportunistic organisms, causing disease during times of stress, low resistance or concurrent infection. They are not part of the human bacterial flora.

Some of the species may show bipolar staining with polychrome stains such as Wright's stain. Their capsules contain acidic polysaccharides.

Pasteurella Properties

The Pasteurella species have a catarrhal odour and produce endotoxins which cause host damage and death. Their capsules resist phagocytosis. Pasteurella species may be found in deep pyoderma.

See here for a list of Pasteurella and Mannheimia species