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Cat Bite Infection — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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EasyInfection Prevention & ControlCat Bite InfectionSCE Infectious Diseases

A 40-year-old man is bitten on the hand by his pet cat. Within 24 hours, the wound is swollen, erythematous, and purulent. Gram stain of wound discharge shows small Gram-negative coccobacilli. What is the most likely causative organism and appropriate treatment?

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Correct answer: E — Pasteurella multocida; Co-amoxiclav 625 mg TDS for 5 days

Rapidly progressive wound infection (<24 hours) after a cat bite with Gram-negative coccobacilli is characteristic of Pasteurella multocida. This organism is present in 70–90% of cat oral flora. Co-amoxiclav is the treatment of choice as it covers Pasteurella, Staphylococci, and anaerobes. Flucloxacillin and Erythromycin have poor activity against Pasteurella. Bartonella henselae causes cat-scratch disease (lymphadenopathy, not acute wound infection).

Reference: NICE NG149 2020 – Bite wounds; BNF 2024 – Bite management