Katy Parenting page- Katy Texas

UK Man Bitten By Cat Contracts Previously Unknown And 'extensive' Bacterial Infection

A 48-year-old UK man bitten by a stray cat developed "painful" hand swelling and "extensive" infection caused by a previously unknown bacterium, a new study has revealed.

The research, published recently in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, describes the case of a 48-year-old obese man, who was admitted to the emergency department in 2020 with hand swelling, multiple puncture wounds and abrasions, about eight hours after sustaining bites from a feral cat.

Researchers, including those from Cambridge University Hospitals in the UK, discovered a novel species of the bacterium Globicatella that caused "extensive soft tissue infection" in the man bitten by the cat.

Previous research has shed light on the potential role of cats as reservoirs of yet-undiscovered pathogens and potential zoonotic infections that can jump from animals to humans as their long, sharp teeth can cause deep bite injuries.

While the man was treated for potential infection, administered a booster dose of the tetanus vaccine, given a number of oral antibiotics and discharged, he returned to the emergency department 24 hours later with an infection in his left little and right middle fingers.

Doctors then surgically removed the damaged tissue around his wounds and gave him three other antibiotics intravenously – a treatment that ultimately seemed to work and led to a recovery.

When researchers analysed the swabs from his infection in the right middle finger for microorganisms, they found an unrecognisable organism similar to Streptococcus – a bacteria linked to strep throat, pink eye and meningitis.

However, the bacterium's genome did not match any strains previously on record, indicating it was a new microbe that has never been previously documented.

Researchers then found the new bacterium belonged to a genus of gram-positive bacteria called Globicatella that differs from related strains, suggesting it is a "distinct and previously undescribed species".

Story continues

Experts noted that cats have the potential to cause deep-tissue bite injuries, with the direct inoculation of their saliva posing high risk of secondary infection.

People are advised to immediately wash wounds from cat bites with soap or salt and see a doctor right away.

The new findings, according to clinicians, "highlights the role of cats as reservoirs of as yet undiscovered bacterial species that have human pathogenic potential".

UK Man Gets Gnarly, Newly Discovered Infection From Stray Cat Bite

A man in the UK has become a medical first, though not in a great way. In a recent paper, scientists say he's the first known person to have caught a newly discovered bacteria from a stray cat's bite. Though the feline encounter resulted in a gnarly infection of his hands, the man was eventually treated successfully and made a full recovery.

Johnny Knoxville Loved CollectiblesFirst Fandoms

Dracula Attacks in Exclusive Clip From The Last Voyage of the Demeter

Monday 12:46PM

Why Should Crypto Currencies be Called Securities?Gizmodo Interview

Monday 9:50AM

The case was detailed in the August issue of the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

According to the paper, the 48-year-old man visited doctors with painful swelling in both hands, merely eight hours after he was bitten multiple times by a single feral cat. The man's wounds were cleaned and dressed, he was given a precautionary tetanus booster, and he was sent home with antibiotics. Unfortunately, he returned to the emergency department just 24 hours later as his infection continued to worsen. This time, doctors surgically removed the man's dead and infected tissue and placed him on intravenous antibiotics. Following another course of oral antibiotics, he made a full recovery.

The man's infected and swollen hands, caused by a previously undiscovered species of bacteria.Image: Jones, et al/Emerging Infectious Diseases

In trying to figure out the exact cause of the man's infection, the authors found microbes inside his wounds that resembled Streptococcus, a well-known group of bacteria that occasionally sicken people. But upon closer examination, the likely culprit didn't have a direct genetic match to any known species of bacteria. The team then decided to sequence the bacteria's entire genome and finally determined that the man had contracted a wholly novel germ.

The bacteria seems to be a member of the genus Globicatella. Until now, two species of Globicatella bacteria have been identified, with only one species known to rarely cause human disease. Cases of human Globicatella infection have caused some concern since the bacteria have shown reduced susceptibility to some commonly used antibiotics. But thankfully, most of the antibiotics that the authors tested against this new species in the lab did appear effective.

While this case has a happy ending, the authors say it's a cautionary tale. Cuddly as cats can be, their bites and scratches should be taken seriously, especially if they pierce the skin. It isn't just the potential germs in a cat's mouth or paws that make these bites and scratches dangerous, but the delivery method. A cat's claws and teeth can cause small but deep puncture wounds, which then seal up quickly and trap bacteria under the skin. These dangers are all the more elevated for people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly (in this case, the man seemed to have normal immune function).

"In conclusion, cat bites are common sources of zoonotic infection. This report highlights the role of cats as reservoirs of as yet undiscovered bacterial species that have human pathogenic potential," the authors wrote.

Cat bites in general should be cleaned immediately with running water and soap. People should also see a doctor as soon as possible since serious infections can arise within 24 hours or sooner.

Chigger (red Bug) Bites: Symptoms And Treatment

Chiggers, also known as red bugs, can bite humans, causing itchiness, inflammation, and skin discoloration. Symptoms typically resolve independently, and several treatments can help reduce irritation.

Chigger mites are small bugs from the Trombiculid family that inhabit woodland and grassy environment. These mites can latch onto human skin and cause irritation through their bites.

Read on to learn about chiggers, what their bites look like, and how to treat the bites.

Bites from chigger mites can cause:

irritation and itchiness

skin discoloration

clusters of small spot-like bumps

You won't feel it when the chigger latches on, and you probably won't feel a thing when it bites. However, most people report symptoms within hours of the bite.

The most problematic symptom of chigger bites is the intense itching and the formation of bumps that may look like welts, blisters, pimples, or hives.

Chigger bites are most common in places where clothing fits tightly. Most chigger bites occur around the ankles, waist, armpits, crotch, or behind the knees.

Complications

Disease transmission via chigger bites is an understudied area. However, chigger bites can transmit scrub typhus in rare cases. This is a potentially fatal disease that can result in multiple organ failure without treatment.

The transmission of other diseases is possible, but evidence in this area is lacking.

It can take up to 2 weeks for chigger bites to heal. Treatment focuses on symptom management, such as reducing itching and swelling.

If you suspect you have chigger bites, immediately wash your skin with soap and water and clean any clothes you wear. This will get rid of any remaining chiggers on your body.

In the meantime, try to avoid scratching the area, as further breaks to the skin barrier can increase the risk of further infection. Then apply an antiseptic to any welts.

Symptom management

The following home remedies may help in reducing inflammation and itching.

Further treatments

In severe cases of Chigger mite inflammation, doctors may prescribe corticosteroid injections, but this is rare. If a professional diagnoses scrub typhus due to bites, they will prescribe doxycycline to treat the disease.

Chigger mites are often too small to be visible in grassland or woodland environments. As a result, preventative measures are typically general.

Avoid common chigger habitats

Spring, summer, and fall are prime times for chigger bites. When you're in wooded areas that may be chigger-infested, try not to brush up against vegetation. When hiking, walk in the center of the trails rather than along the sides.

Chiggers live in tall weeds and grass, berry patches, and wooded areas. They may be in your backyard, by the lake, and clustered along your favorite hiking trail. They are most active in spring, summer, and fall afternoons when temperatures are warm.

Clothing

Wear long sleeves and long pants that can be tucked into your socks or shoes. Use insect or tick repellent, especially around the tops of your shoes, shirt neck, cuffs, and waistband. Shower as soon as you go indoors. Wash your clothes in hot water.

Chigger bites can cause itchy, inflamed bumps on the skin. These larval mites are common in grassy and woodland environments and are often too small for you to notice them.

Symptoms of chigger bites typically resolve independently, but antihistamines, cold compresses, and anti-itch lotions can help manage symptoms.

---