Cat bite antibiotics: could less be more?

NCT ID NCT05846399

Recruiting now Prevention Sponsor: University of Missouri-Columbia Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether taking antibiotics for just one day after a cat bite to the hand or forearm works as well as the usual five-day course, or even a placebo. About 72 adults who are bitten and seek care within 24 hours will be randomly assigned to one of three groups. The goal is to see if shorter treatment can prevent infections without increasing harm.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Amoxicillin/clavulanate (or alternatives ciprofloxacin and clindamycin)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that a shorter course of antibiotics or even no antibiotics is safe after a cat bite, reducing unnecessary medication and side effects.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 72 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. There is a risk that shorter treatment or placebo leads to more infections.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Arm Injuries bacterial infectious disease Hand Injuries injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANTI-BACTERIAL AGENTS ARM INJURY CAT BITE HAND INJURIES INFECTION, BACTERIAL

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Missouri
RECRUITING

Columbia, Missouri, 65212, United States

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