Recent research shows that a man in the UK was infected after being bitten by a stray cat. The cat bite caused him significant harm, according to reports.
The Study
A recent study published in the journal titled Emerging Infectious Diseases has revealed a concerning case of a 48-year-old man in the UK who was bitten by a stray cat, resulting in a painful hand swelling and extensive infection caused by a previously unknown bacterium. The man, who was obese, was admitted to the emergency department in 2020, around eight hours after sustaining bites from the feral cat. He presented with hand swelling, multiple puncture wounds, and abrasions.
Researchers, which include those from Cambridge University Hospitals in the United Kingdom, conducted a thorough investigation into the case and identified a novel species of the bacterium Globicatella to be responsible for the extensive soft tissue infection in the man’s hand. This discovery has brought to notice the potential role of cats as reservoirs of the yet undiscovered pathogens and potential zoonotic infections that can be transferred from animals to humans, particularly through injuries caused by deep bites due to their long, sharp teeth.
The Case
The man received prompt medical attention and was given treatment for the potential infection. He was administered a booster dose of the tetanus vaccine and was prescribed several oral antibiotics before being discharged from care. However, the situation took a turn for the worse, and the man returned to the emergency department 24 hours later with an infection in the middle finger of his right hand and little finger of his left.
In response to these symptoms, doctors decided to surgically remove the damaged tissue around his wounds and got him started on three other intravenous antibiotics. Thankfully, this intensive treatment seemed to do the trick , and the man eventually recovered from the infection.
The Discovery behind the Infection
Researchers conducted further analyses on swabs taken from the infection in the right middle finger and found an organism similar to Streptococcus, a bacteria known to cause strep throat, pink eye, and meningitis. However, the bacterium’s genome did not match any previously recorded strains, which indicated that it was a completely new and previously undocumented microbe.
Upon closer examination, the new bacterium was classified as belonging to the genus Globicatella, a group of gram-positive bacteria that differ from related strains, suggesting it is a distinct and previously undescribed species.
Experts noted that cats have the potential to cause deep-tissue bite injuries, with their saliva posing a high risk of secondary infection when inoculated into the wound. Therefore, people are advised to immediately wash wounds from cat bites with soap or salt and seek medical attention promptly.
The discovery of this new bacterium in the man’s infection highlights the potential of cats as carriers of previously undiscovered bacterial species with human pathogenic potential. Understanding these risks is crucial for public health, as it allows for timely and appropriate medical interventions when people are bitten by cats or other animals.
This study provides important insights into the risks associated with cat bites and the potential for previously unknown bacteria to cause infections in humans. Prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent complications and ensure a full recovery in such cases. As research continues, it will be vital to further investigate the role of animals as reservoirs for novel pathogens to safeguard public health.
