Cat bite in an old patient: is it a simple injury?

An 84-year-old woman bitten by her domestic cat developed a severe wound infection caused by Pasteurella multocida. Although she was treated with antibiotics according to the bacterial sensitivity, the infection progressed to sepsis and became complicated by transient renal failure caused by interstitial nephritis. The need in the emergency department for a thorough examination of patients with domestic animal-inflicted injuries, the indication for surgical debridement, and the isolation of the offender by early obtained cultures are considered. The administration of the properly chosen antibiotics and prophylactic vaccination against rabies and tetanus are discussed. (C) 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.