Bite Wounds

One of every two Americans will be bitten by an animal or by another person at some point. Bites account for approximately 1% of all visits to emergency rooms. Eighty to ninety percent of these types of wounds are dog bites, 5% to 10% are cat bites, 2% to 3% are human bites, and 2% to 3% others (rats, hamsters, etc.). Cat bites have the highest infection rate, human bites are second, and dog bites are third.

Human bites have been shown to transmit hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus (HSV), syphilis, tuberculosis, actinomycosis, and tetanus. Evidence suggests that it is biologically possible to transmit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through human bites, although this is quite unlikely.

All bite wounds should receive proper wound inspection, debridement, and irrigation. Bite wounds, for the most part, should not be sutured closed. If these wounds need to be closed, the procedure can be accomplished in a delayed manner within 2 to 4 days. Consider x-rays for evaluation of deep structures and retained foreign bodies. Antibiotics should be prescribed for most bite wounds, such as penicillin and a cephalosporin. If a patient is allergic to penicillin, consider erythromycin and tetracycline. Advise frequent follow-up visits to inspect the wound for infection.