Diagnostic Challenges and Complex Surgical Management of an Atypical Mycoplasma Infection From a Cat Scratch: A Case Report.

CASE: A 58-year-old veterinarian presented with a dorsal-radial hand and wrist infection after a catch scratch. Despite multiple courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics, her symptoms progressed culminating in rupture of the first dorsal compartment tendons. An unspecified Mycoplasma species was identified through broad-range bacterial PCR testing. The patient was then started on oral doxycycline which, combined with serial debridement and eventual tenolysis, resulted in successful eradication of her infection and functional improvement.

CONCLUSION: Our case highlights the power of clinical utility of broad-range bacterial PCR in detecting atypical infections; this modality should be considered in infections caused by cat scratches with otherwise negative cultures.