Dog and cat bite-associated infections in children

Abstract

Millions of people throughout the world are bitten by animals each year. About 90 % of the bites are caused by dogs and cats, and infections are the most common complications. As children are the most frequently bitten subjects, pediatricians should provide parents with everything they need to know in order to confront the problem. However, this does not seem to be case and, as the treatment of bite wounds is frequently inappropriate and delayed, the risk of acute infection and sequelae is increased. The main aim of this review is to discuss the epidemiology, microbiology, and clinical characteristics of infections due to dog and cat bites in children, and suggest the best approach to their management. Analysis of the published literature shows that prompt treatment is necessary in order to reduce the risk of infection. The therapeutic measures include wound washing, specific prophylaxis (i.e., tetanus and/or rabies), and antibiotics in the case of immunocompromised patients or deep wounds (particularly if there is evidence of edema or crushing), facial bites, or any wound over a tendon or bone.

A Comparative Study of Dog- and Cat-Induced Injury on Incidence and Risk Factors among Children

“…Hong Kong researchers reported similar results, with an average age of dog-bite victims of 11.82 years old [15]. Moreover, children who experienced animal bites were more likely to be seriously injured than adults [16]. The possible reason is that children unknowingly and easily provoke animals because they lack risk awareness [17,18].…”

“…Statistical data (2012) from the American Humane Society showed that more than 70% of American households kept a dog or cat [21]. About 78 million dogs and 86 million cats were owned in the USA [16]. Similar situations were also observed in European countries [22].…”

Are animal-related injuries in rural areas a social problem? A survey from Poland

“…Attacks by dogs were mainly connected with bites on the lower and upper extremities [39]. In children, the head and neck area was even more frequently attacked by dogs than in adults [40,41], whereas, in agriculture multiple injuries were more common [7,20].…”

Medical Care after Cat Bites: A Typical Case and Review

“…The fact that cat bite wounds get infected more frequently (up to 50% -80% of cases) than do dog bite wounds (no more than 20% of cases) is probably related to sharper teeth of cats leading to deeper inoculation of bacteria and subsequent soft tissue abscesses or septic arthritis [4] [5] [9]. Criteria for animal bite wound infections were described by Talan et al The major criteria are fever, abscess and lymphangitis.…”