Mycobacterium chelonae Infection After a Cat Bite: A Rare Case Report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Cat bite wounds can lead to complex infections.
• Mycobacterium chelonae is an atypical bacterium that can cause skin and soft tissue infections.
• Standard antibiotic treatments may not always be effective against atypical mycobacterial infections.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old woman presented with a month-old unhealed cat bite wound.
• The wound showed persistent infection despite treatment with cefazolin and amoxicillin.
• Cultures identified the causative agent as Mycobacterium chelonae.

Findings:

• This is the first reported case of Mycobacterium chelonae infection originating from a cat bite.
• The cat's food microbiome may influence the bacterial flora of bite wounds.
• The infection's resistance to initial antibiotic therapy highlights the need for broader diagnostic considerations.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider atypical mycobacterial infections in non-healing cat bite wounds.
• Investigating the cat's diet may provide insights into treatment-resistant infections.
• This case underscores the importance of considering environmental and dietary factors in managing complex bite wound infections.