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Pasteurella multocida osteomyelitis caused by cat bite
The Journal of Infection
|March 1, 1983
Abstract:
A previously healthy 15-year-old girl was bitten by a cat in her left thumb. Despite initial treatment with penicillin she developed osteomyelitis after a period of four months. Pasteurella multocida was cultured from the necrotic bone. The infection showed low activity and was successfully treated with surgery combined with penicillin.
Insights
A cat bite led to a rare bone infection (osteomyelitis) caused by Pasteurella multocida. Prompt surgical intervention and penicillin treatment successfully resolved the infection in a teenage patient.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cat bites are common and can transmit various pathogens.
- Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Pasteurella multocida is a common bacterium found in the oral flora of cats and dogs.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 15-year-old female presented with a cat bite on her left thumb.
- Despite initial antibiotic treatment with penicillin, she developed osteomyelitis four months post-injury.
- The necrotic bone culture yielded Pasteurella multocida.
Findings:
- The osteomyelitis infection exhibited low activity.
- Surgical debridement of the infected bone was performed.
- Combined treatment with surgery and penicillin was successful in eradicating the infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for delayed and severe bone infections following seemingly minor cat bites.
- Pasteurella multocida should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infections following animal bites, even after initial antibiotic treatment.
- Aggressive surgical management combined with appropriate antibiotic therapy is crucial for successful treatment of osteomyelitis in such cases.