Which organism is commonly associated with human bite infections?

Which organism is commonly associated with human bite infections?

• A. Bartonella henselae
• B. Eikenella corrodens
• C. Pasteurella multocida
• D. Capnocytophaga canimorsus

Answer: (B)

Human bite infections come from the mouth and are typically polymicrobial, with Eikenella corrodens being the classic organism linked to these wounds. This small Gram-negative rod is part of normal oral flora and is frequently involved in infections after human bites or clenched-fist injuries, often alongside other oral bacteria and anaerobes. It helps explain why bites from humans are treated differently from animal bites. By contrast, Bartonella henselae is associated with cat-scratch disease, Pasteurella multocida with cat or dog bites, and Capnocytophaga canimorsus with dog bites and more severe disease in some patients. For treatment, regimens like amoxicillin-clavulanate are preferred because they cover Eikenella and the anaerobic oral flora commonly present in these infections.

Human bite infections come from the mouth and are typically polymicrobial, with Eikenella corrodens being the classic organism linked to these wounds. This small Gram-negative rod is part of normal oral flora and is frequently involved in infections after human bites or clenched-fist injuries, often alongside other oral bacteria and anaerobes. It helps explain why bites from humans are treated differently from animal bites. By contrast, Bartonella henselae is associated with cat-scratch disease, Pasteurella multocida with cat or dog bites, and Capnocytophaga canimorsus with dog bites and more severe disease in some patients. For treatment, regimens like amoxicillin-clavulanate are preferred because they cover Eikenella and the anaerobic oral flora commonly present in these infections.