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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Murine Model of Wound Healing
Published on: May 28, 2013
Abstract:
Clinical data were collected prospectively from a series of 160 patients presenting with mammalian bite wounds. Anaerobic and aerobic cultures were prepared from sterile swabs placed in 65 bite wounds prior to cleansing. Infection was noted in 11 of 22 cat bites, six of 37 human bites, three of 80 dog bites, and in none of the 21 bites caused by other mammals. Pasteurella multocida was recovered from six infected cat and dog bites, all of which developed infection within 24 hours of injury. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus viridans were the principal pathogens isolated from the remaining infected cat, dog, and human bites. Infection most commonly followed puncture wounds caused by cats (10/19) and lacerations into subcutaneous tissue of the hand caused by humans (4/17). None of the 10 sutured wounds became infected. All infected bite wounds responded to antibiotic therapy. No conclusions regarding the value of prophylactic antibiotics could be made.
Insights
Mammalian bite wounds, especially from cats and humans, frequently lead to infection, often caused by Pasteurella multocida. Prompt antibiotic treatment effectively resolved all infected bite wounds in this study.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Mammalian bite wounds are a common clinical concern.
- Bite wound infections pose a significant risk to patient health.
- Understanding causative pathogens and risk factors is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and microbial causes of infections in mammalian bite wounds.
- To identify specific types of mammalian bites and wound characteristics associated with higher infection risk.
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes of infected bite wounds.
Main Methods:
- Prospective collection of clinical data from 160 patients with mammalian bite wounds.
- Collection of anaerobic and aerobic cultures from bite wounds before cleansing.
- Analysis of microbial pathogens and correlation with bite type, wound characteristics, and infection development.
Main Results:
- Infection occurred in 11/22 cat bites, 6/37 human bites, and 3/80 dog bites. No infections were seen in bites from other mammals.
- Pasteurella multocida was identified in early-onset infections (within 24 hours) from cat and dog bites.
- Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus viridans were primary pathogens in other infected bites. Puncture wounds from cats and human hand lacerations showed higher infection rates. Sutured wounds did not become infected.
Conclusions:
- Cat and human bites carry a higher risk of infection compared to dog bites.
- Prompt antibiotic therapy is effective in treating mammalian bite wound infections.
- Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics.
