Study of Antibiotic Use Duration for Cat Bites to the Hand and Forearm Comparing Placebo, 1-Day, and 5-Day Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Treatments A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying cat bites to the hand and forearm to understand the best way to prevent infections after such injuries. Cat bites can introduce bacteria deep into tissues, leading to serious infections. The study evaluates whether different durations of antibiotic treatment or no antibiotics at all affect infection rates. This is a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial involving adult patients presenting within 24 hours of a cat bite without signs of active infection or recent antibiotic use. Participants in this trial will be randomly assigned to one of three groups a placebo group receiving capsules twice daily for five days a group receiving amoxicillin-clavulanate or, for those allergic to penicillin, ciprofloxacin plus clindamycin, for one day with placebo for the remaining days and a group receiving the same antibiotics for five days. Alongside medication, standard wound care including cleaning, removal of foreign bodies, and dressing will be provided. The study uses infrared and digital cameras to monitor wounds. During the study, infection signs will be checked at multiple points day 0, day 2, day 7 plus or minus 2 days, day 14 plus or minus 2 days, and day 30 plus or minus 2 days. Researchers will assess infection rates, side effects, disability using Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand QuickDASH scores, and quality of life using the HAND Questionnaire HAND-Q. Participants will undergo physical exams, vital sign measurements, laboratory tests, and imaging as part of routine care and study assessments. The study will correlate bite locations with infection outcomes.

CAT BITE Antibiotic Prophylaxis for the Hand/Forearm (CATBITE)