Abstract
Dog bites may result in serious bacterial infections with e.g. the gram-negative rods Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Pasteurella multocida. Human disease caused by these microorganisms can be complicated by acute development of septicaemia and/or meningitis followed by disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, peripheral gangrene and renal failure. The mortality of C. canimorsus septicaemia is about 23-31%. These severe infections are most often reported in immunocompromised patients and occur a few days after the bite. By reviewing the literature it is concluded that the broadest prophylactic coverage is obtained by amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and that antibiotic prophylaxis should be given to all immunocompromised patients experiencing a dog bite. Moreover, prophylactic treatment should be initiated for all patients with greater penetrating wounds and those involving the hands.
| Translated title of the contribution | Bacterial infections as complications of dog bites |
|---|---|
| Original language | Danish |
| Journal | Ugeskrift for Laeger |
| Volume | 160 |
| Issue number | 34 |
| Pages (from-to) | 4860-3 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| ISSN | 0041-5782 |
| Publication status | Published - 1998 |
