Severe Streptococcal Infection Following Cat Scratch

INTRODUCTION: Cats can transmit bacterial infections to humans through biting and scratching. Streptococcal infections in wounds caused by cat bites or scratches rarely have been reported in the literature. CASE REPORT: The case of severe streptococcal skin infection after a 2-day-old cat scratch of the right arm, elbow, and forearm in a 68-year-old woman is presented herein. Group A β-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) was isolated from the wound of the patient as well as the oral cavity and claws of the cat; likewise, Escherichia coli also was isolated from the oral cavity and claws of the cat. She was successfully treated with intravenous tigecycline for 2 weeks at a starting dosage of 100 mg daily. Tetanus prophylaxis was performed. Complete remission was observed 3 weeks after beginning treatment. Follow-up visit at 32 months was negative for clinical manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time documented in the literature, GABHS were isolated from the wound of the patient and from the cat's oral cavity and claws.