Lisong Huang, Lianfu Wang, Xudong Wang, Xiaojing Zhang, Xinyue Yu, Jinhong Yang, Wang Zhang, Jingxian Yang, Weijia Ji, Yun Cao, Yafeng Zheng, Wei Gai, Minghong Jiang, Yonghui Liang
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Dog and cat bites frequently develop polymicrobial wound infections requiring prompt and appropriate antimicrobial treatment. However, conventional culture-based methods often fail to identify all pathogens, particularly anaerobic and fastidious microorganisms.
WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: This study used metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to analyze infected dog- and cat-bite wounds. Distinct microbial profiles were identified between dog and cat bites, and between domestic and stray animals. Anaerobes were predominant in both groups.
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: These findings highlight the value of mNGS and support empirical antimicrobial strategies to improve infection management and reduce complications.