Being bitten by a fluffy cat on the street is more dangerous than you might think.
In the UK, a 48-year-old man who was bitten by a stray cat became infected with a type of bacteria scientists had never seen before.
His immune response to foreign microbes was phenomenal. Just eight hours after receiving multiple bites, the man’s hand was so swollen that he was rushed to the emergency department.
He had his puncture wound cleaned, dressed, given a tetanus shot, and given antibiotics before being transported to the hospital.
A day later he was back in the hospital again. His left little finger and middle finger were painfully enlarged, and both his forearms were red and swollen.
Doctors had to surgically remove the damaged tissue around the wound. He was also given intravenous antibiotics and was sent home on oral antibiotics.
Thankfully, this time the treatment worked and I made a full recovery.
But back at the hospital, the doctors were busy figuring out what had happened. Analysis of the microbes present in samples taken from his wounds revealed unrecognizable microbes. Streptococcus-like creatures.
Streptococcus A genus of Gram-positive bacteria associated with meningitis, streptococcal pharyngitis, bacterial pneumonia, conjunctivitis, and many other diseases.
However, when the researchers sequenced a portion of the bacterium’s genome, it did not match any strains on record. This was a new species of bacteria never officially documented by scientists.
After all, this bacterium belongs to a separate genus of Gram-positive bacteria, globicatera.
Whole-genome sequencing of this bacterium suggests that this bacterium is distinct from other related strains. G. Sulfide Faciensabout 20 percent, show “A distinct and previously undescribed species”.
because G. Sulfidefaciens It can be difficult to eradicate from the body because it is resistant to some common types of antibiotics. Thankfully, a new strain discovered in the UK has responded well to at least some antibiotics, but the story has put the public on edge.
“This report highlights the role of cats as carriers of undiscovered bacterial species that can cause human pathogenicity,” said the case study authors. write.
Scratches that are bitten by a cat and puncture the skin 66,000 cause emergency room visits every year in America.more needs Antibiotics and even surgery are necessary to prevent serious infections.
like all animals, including us, Cats can harbor serious pathogens. Their sharp teeth and claws mean they can pierce deep into the skin. If bites or scratches occur in the joints, Difficult to target.
Therefore, the experts To tell If you are attacked by a stray cat, immediately wash the wound gently with soap or salt and seek immediate medical attention.
Case study published emerging infectious disease.
