Article Text

The exact prevalence of animal bites in Malaysia, especially domestic animal, is largely unknown. Cat bites is a common problem seen due to a large number of cat lover all across Malaysia. Cat possesses very sharp teeth that can lead to deep infections up to the bone.

Statistics have shown that animal bites accounts for significant 1-2 % of emergency hospital visits in United States, a country with a high number of pet lovers [1]. Although dog bites are much more common, the prevalence of cat bites may actually account up to 25% of the actual dog bite numbers [2-4].

The most common pathogen implicated in cat bite infections is mainly Pasteurella multocida [5,6]. It is found in the oral cavity of many healthy cats [7,8]. Although majority of cat bite infections is minors, more severe infections can cause abscess, septic arthritis, tenosynovitis, osteomyelitis and even septicaemia [7,9].

The more common site for cat bites are the upper limbs, namely the hands, and the wrists [2,10]. Treatment option ranges from expectant management to use of oral or intravenous antibiotics, and in more severe cases, the use of surgical manoeuvres [1]. Studies have shown the use of early prophylactic antibiotic use will decrease the infection rates following cat bites from 28% to 2% [11]. However, predicting which patients will need intravenous antibiotics and surgery remains difficult, although 30-40% of patients with cat bites will need hospitalization [5,7,12]. Therefore, knowledge of the exact prevalence and common pathogens brought upon this animal bites, namely cat bites is important in overall management to prevent progression to devastating serious infection.

References

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