From the Guidelines
Yes, a cat bite can potentially cause diarrhea in humans, as the bacteria from the cat's mouth can enter the bloodstream through the puncture wound and lead to a systemic infection that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Cat bites can transmit various bacteria, particularly Pasteurella multocida, which may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea. If you've been bitten by a cat and develop diarrhea along with other symptoms like fever, swelling, or redness around the bite, seek medical attention immediately.
- Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) at a dose of 875/125 mg twice daily for 5-7 days, or alternatives like doxycycline 100 mg twice daily if you have a penicillin allergy, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1.
- Clean any cat bite thoroughly with soap and water immediately after it occurs, and apply an antiseptic.
- The connection between cat bites and diarrhea stems from the bacteria in cats' mouths entering the bloodstream through the puncture wound, potentially causing a systemic reaction that affects the gastrointestinal tract.
- Cat scratch disease, caused by Bartonella henselae bacteria, can also occasionally cause digestive symptoms including diarrhea, although this is less common than other symptoms like lymphadenopathy 1.
- It's essential to note that while the evidence from older studies like those from 2005 1 provides valuable insights, the most recent and highest quality guidelines should be prioritized in clinical decision-making, such as those from 2014 1 and 2017 1, which emphasize the importance of appropriate antibiotic use and wound care in managing cat bites.
- Additionally, general measures to prevent infectious diarrhea, such as hand hygiene, proper food preparation, and avoidance of high-risk foods, are crucial in reducing the incidence of diarrhea, as outlined in guidelines for the management of infectious diarrhea 1.
From the Research
Cat Bites and Diarrhea
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that links cat bites to diarrhea 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, cat bites can lead to infections caused by bacteria such as Pasteurella multocida, which can cause a range of symptoms including sepsis, meningitis, and endocarditis 2, 3, 5, 6.
- While diarrhea is not specifically mentioned as a symptom of cat bite infections in the provided studies, it is possible that systemic infections caused by cat bites could lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea.
- The primary concern with cat bites is the risk of infection, particularly with Pasteurella multocida, which can be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin 3, 6.
Infection Risk and Symptoms
- Cat bites pose a significant risk of infection, with 20-80% of cat bites becoming infected 3.
- The most common symptoms of infected cat bites include erythema, pain, and edema, which can emerge as early as 3 hours after the bite 6.
- Complications of cat bite infections can include tendosynovitis, arthritis, abscesses, and septicemia 6.
Treatment and Prevention
- Preemptive antibiotic therapy is often recommended for cat bites to prevent infection, particularly for patients at high risk of developing severe infection 4.
- Antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin are commonly used to treat cat bite infections, and can help prevent complications such as sepsis and meningitis 3, 6.