Streptococcal and Staphylococcal Infection From a Dog Bite

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The Chicago Dog Bite Attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. represent victims who are seeking compensation for injuries and damages extending from an attack by a dog or other animal. The Streptococcal and Staphylococcal infections, occurring at equal frequencies, are the second most common type of infection occurring in dog bite infections. These Infections are similar to those caused by the slightly more common Pasteurella infection. The main difference between the two, as noted in an article published by Emergency Medical Practice, is that:

“Infections caused by Pasteurella species occur shortly after the bite, typically developing within 24 hours. Infections presenting more than 24 hours after the bite are more likely caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species.”

There are multiple strains of both staph and strep, many of which have been identified as common species isolated from dog bite wounds. According to a NCBI publication, at least 12 species of Streptococcus, and at least 7 species of Staphylococcus, have been isolated to dog bites, with frequency rates ranging from 2% to 22%.

Streptococcus and Staphylococcus serve as an ideal of example of just how important it is to seek medical treatment following an encounter with a dog or animal that causes the skin to be pierced or broken. This is because standard medical procedure, following a dog bite, will generally involve the victim being administered antibiotics, for the purpose of killing existing bacteria, as well as preventing future infection as the wound heals. In many cases, mild staph and strep infections can be cleared with antibiotics.

However, this is generally dependent on whether the victim seeks medical treatment before the infection worsens or spreads. Further, as noted in a bite wound infections article published by massgeneral.org, “few antibiotics offer optimal coverage for all pathogens.” Consequently, it is important that dog bite victims not only seek immediate medical treatment, but also remain aware of the risks for potential complications, such as susceptibility to subsequent and/or secondary infection, including drug-resilient strains of staph or strep, or more serious infections such as Capnocytophaga.

Initial warning signs for both staph and strep infections are very similar to one another, and include redness and painful swelling at or near the site of the bite. As the infection progresses toward the body, the patient may also develop a fever, as well as other flu-like symptoms. If you see any of these symptoms, you must seek medical care immediately. In some cases, treatment will require multiple antibiotics administered intravenously. In addition, in more serious cases, the victim may need surgery to remove dead or dying tissue.

If left untreated, Streptococcal and Staphylococcal infections can cause serious, and even fatal complications. As the infection advances from moderate to severe, the patient’s prognosis decreases, making early diagnosis and treatment critical to the victim’s recovery.

If you have developed Streptococcal or Staphylococcal Infection as a result of a dog or other animal bite injury, the Chicago lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. want to help you obtain the compensation that you deserve. We offer FREE comprehensive consultations in all personal injury matters. Contact us today, either online or by calling 773-516-4100.