Final answer:
Cat bites are associated with more serious infections than dog bites due to the bacterium Bartonella henselae, which causes potentially severe systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cat bites are more often associated with serious soft tissue/bone infection than dog bites because of the bacterium Bartonella henselae, which causes cat-scratch disease (CSD). When a person is bitten or scratched by a cat infected with B. henselae, the bacteria can be introduced into the lymph nodes and lead to an infection. B. henselae invasion of red blood cells aids the bacteria in causing infection, indicated by a nodule with pus and possibly accompanied by swelling of the nearest lymph nodes, fever, chills, and fatigue.
The serious consequences of a cat bite are often due to the ability of B. henselae to infect red blood cells and cause a systemic infection, which can be particularly risky for immunocompromised patients. These patients may develop severe conditions such as bacillary angiomatosis or bacillary peliosis, producing tumor-like masses or blood-filled cavities in various organs. Treatment often involves antibiotics such as rifampin, azithromycin, or ciprofloxacin for those at high risk.