Many emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases have been observed over the last few decades around the globe due to population growth, international travel, environmental changes, and microbial adaptation and evolution, despite advances in the medical field. The spread of these diseases is related to complex interactions between pathogens and their hosts. Accordingly, this review summarises current knowledge on infection development and discusses methods used for detection and modeling. Recent studies have revealed the limitations of two-dimensional models and increasingly rely on 3D systems, including spheroids, organoids, and organ-on-a-chip systems, that offer more realistic tissue environments, allowing researchers to more effectively study host–pathogen interactions. Overall, the integration of complementary approaches and the development of 3D models are crucial for enhancing diagnosis, developing new therapeutic approaches, and strengthening control strategies of emerging outbreaks.

Pasteurella multocida is a common pathogen following cat bites; however, severe hand infections leading to amputation remain rare. We report the case of a 54-year-old woman who presented 10 days after a cat bite with pain, swelling, and purulent discharge of the right hand. Despite initial appropriate antibiotic therapy and surgical management, the infection progressed to extensive soft tissue necrosis, ultimately requiring amputation of the distal fifth metacarpal. Clinical improvement was observed after adjustment of the antibiotic regimen. This case underscores the potentially aggressive course of P. multocida hand infections and highlights the critical importance of early recognition and prompt management of cat bites to prevent severe complications, including tissue necrosis and amputation.