Severe Streptococcal Infection Following Cat Scratch

Cats can transmit bacterial infections to humans through biting and scratching. Streptococcal infections in wounds caused by cat bites or scratches rarely have been reported in the literature.

The case of severe streptococcal skin infection after a 2-day-old cat scratch of the right arm, elbow, and forearm in a 68-year-old woman is presented herein. Group A β-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) was isolated from the wound of the patient as well as the oral cavity and claws of the cat; likewise, Escherichia coli also was isolated from the oral cavity and claws of the cat. She was successfully treated with intravenous tigecycline for 2 weeks at a starting dosage of 100 mg daily. Tetanus prophylaxis was performed. Complete remission was observed 3 weeks after beginning treatment. Follow-up visit at 32 months was negative for clinical manifestations.

For the first time documented in the literature, GABHS were isolated from the wound of the patient and from the cat's oral cavity and claws.