From the Research
Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy is not necessary for a cat bite. Cat bites require prompt cleaning with soap and water, and may need antibiotics like amoxicillin-clavulanate (typically 875/125 mg twice daily for 5-7 days) to prevent bacterial infections, particularly from Pasteurella multocida 1. Unlike human bites, cat bites do not pose a risk for HIV transmission, as HIV is a human-specific virus that cannot survive in cats.
Key Considerations
- The main concerns with cat bites are bacterial infections, potential for deep puncture wounds, and in rare cases, cat scratch disease from Bartonella henselae.
- Tetanus prophylaxis should be considered if your vaccination is not current.
- If the bite wound shows signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus), seek medical attention promptly.
- While rabies is a theoretical concern with any mammal bite, domestic cats in most developed countries have low rabies risk, though unvaccinated or stray cats may warrant rabies post-exposure prophylaxis based on local health department guidance 2.
Management
- Cleaning and irrigation of the wound with normal saline is essential.
- Antibiotic prophylaxis with amoxicillin-clavulanate may be considered, especially for high-risk wounds or individuals with compromised immune systems 3.
- Wound closure may be considered for cosmetically favorable wounds or those with significant tissue loss.
- Patient education on wound care and follow-up is crucial to prevent complications.
Recent Findings
- A recent case report highlighted the importance of considering anaerobic bacteria, such as Bacteroides pyogenes, in cat bite wounds 3.
- The use of prophylactic antibiotics in cat bites is still a topic of debate, with some studies suggesting a reduction in infection rates, while others show no significant benefit 4.