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An atypical presentation of a Pasteurella multocida infection following a cat bite: a case report
Chris Collins1, Brigitte Flanagan, J Scott Henning
1San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, Texas, USA.
Abstract:
Pasteurella multocida is a bacterial organism that commonly causes cellulitis after animal bites, especially cat bites. We report an unusual vesiculopustular infection of the hand following a domestic cat bite. Pasteurella multocida and Staphylococcus aureus were cultured from the wound and the patient was treated with amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium. Further history revealed that the patient's cat had nibbled on her hand. Pasteurella usually is resistant to many of the typical empiric antibiotics used to treat skin infections. Amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium (500 mg 3 times daily) is the treatment of choice for patients who have an infected cat or dog bite with no known bacterial cause. A thorough patient history is needed to promptly arrive at a proper diagnosis for an atypical presentation of a common disease.
Insights
A domestic cat bite caused an unusual hand infection, identified as Pasteurella multocida and Staphylococcus aureus. Amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium is the recommended treatment for such animal bite-related skin infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a common pathogen causing cellulitis after animal bites, particularly from cats.
- Standard empiric antibiotic treatments may be ineffective against Pasteurella due to its resistance patterns.
Observation:
- An unusual vesiculopustular hand infection developed subsequent to a domestic cat bite.
- The patient's cat had reportedly nibbled on the affected hand.
Findings:
- Cultures from the wound yielded both Pasteurella multocida and Staphylococcus aureus.
- The patient was successfully treated with amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of a detailed patient history for diagnosing atypical presentations of common infections.
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium is confirmed as a primary treatment for infected animal bites, including those with unknown bacterial etiology.
- Understanding Pasteurella's antibiotic resistance is crucial for effective clinical management of animal bite wounds.
