Unusual Bacterium From Stray Cat Bite Leads to Unprecedented Infection in UK Man

A UK man, 48, has achieved a unique medical distinction, albeit under unfortunate circumstances. According to a recent study, titled "Soft Tissue Infection of Immunocompetent Man with Cat-Derived Globicatella Species" published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, he has become the first documented individual to contract a newly identified bacterium from a stray cat's bite.

Despite developing a severe infection in his hands from the encounter, the man eventually underwent successful treatment and fully recovered. The details of this case were outlined in the August edition of the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Unusual Bacterium from Stray Cat Bite Leads to Unprecedented Infection in UK Man Unsplash/Lloyd Henneman

Cat Bite Resulted to Swollen Hands

The man experienced an unexpected consequence after being bitten by a stray cat. According to Science Alert, the bite led to an infection caused by a previously unknown species of bacterium, a phenomenon never observed by scientists before.

The man's immune response was swift and intense in which within just eight hours after sustaining multiple bites, his hands became significantly swollen, prompting him to seek medical attention at an emergency department.

Upon his visit, medical professionals attended to his puncture wounds, cleansing and dressing them. He also received a tetanus shot and was prescribed antibiotics before being discharged. However, the situation took a turn for the worse the following day. His left hand's pinky and middle fingers became painfully enlarged, while both forearms displayed redness and swelling.

Doctors were compelled to surgically remove the damaged tissue around the wounds, in addition to administering intravenous antibiotics and providing oral antibiotics for home use. Fortunately, this comprehensive treatment approach proved effective, ultimately leading to the man's full recovery.

Cat bites and scratches that penetrate the skin account for around 66,000 emergency department visits annually in the United States. Due to their sharp teeth and claws, cats can carry harmful pathogens that pose a risk of infection. Particularly when bites occur around joints, targeting treatment can be challenging.

As a preventive measure, experts advise promptly cleaning the wound with soap or salt if attacked by a stray cat and seeking immediate medical attention.

Newly Discovered Bacterium Resistant to Antibiotics

Medical professionals embarked on an investigative journey to comprehend the unusual circumstances of the man. Their analysis of microorganisms present in samples from the man's wounds unveiled a perplexing finding - an unfamiliar Streptococcus-like organism, The Independent reported.

Streptococcus, a type of gram-positive bacteria, is commonly associated with various health issues such as meningitis, strep throat, bacterial pneumonia, and conjunctivitis.

However, the genomic sequencing of this particular bacterium contradicted established strains. As Science Alert reported, the genetic makeup of this microorganism did not align with any previously recorded variations. It represented an entirely new bacterial entity that had never been formally identified.

Remarkably, this bacterium belongs to the Globicatella genus, another class of gram-positive bacteria. Through comprehensive genome sequencing, scientists discerned that it deviates from related strains like G. sulfidfaciens by approximately 20%, signifying its distinct and uncharted species status.

Distinct from other strains like G. sulfidifaciens, which showcases resistance to numerous common antibiotics and can be stubbornly persistent within the body, the newfound strain exhibited a favorable response to certain antibiotics, providing a hopeful outcome in this particular case.

Nevertheless, the significance of this occurrence reverberates as a cautionary note to the public. The case study authors emphasize the role of cats as potential reservoirs of hitherto undiscovered bacterial species, carrying the potential to pose human health risks.