Cat bite
Cat bite
A cat bite is a wound inflicted by the teeth of a cat. Cat bites can lead to infections, including bacterial infections, due to the bacteria present in the cat's mouth.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /kæt baɪt/
Etymology
The term "cat bite" is derived from the English words "cat", referring to the domesticated feline animal, and "bite", which is derived from the Old English "bitan", meaning to bite or to cut into.
Infections from cat bites
Cat bites can lead to a number of infections, including:
- Cat-scratch disease: This is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, which can be transmitted from a cat to a human through a bite.
- Pasteurella multocida: This bacterium is commonly found in the mouths of cats and can cause infection if a bite wound is not properly cleaned and treated.
- Rabies: Although rare, cats can transmit the rabies virus to humans through a bite. This is more common in areas where rabies is endemic in the local cat population.
Treatment
Treatment for a cat bite involves cleaning the wound, applying an antiseptic, and monitoring for signs of infection. In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection. If the cat that inflicted the bite is not known to be vaccinated against rabies, post-exposure prophylaxis may be recommended.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cat bite
- Wikipedia's article - Cat bite
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