Citation

Kent SJ, Naicker B, Wood DR. S. Afr. Med. J. 2012; 102(11 Pt 1): 845-847.

Affiliation

Ngwelezane Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. s.kent.02@aberdeen.ac.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, South African Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23116740

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dog bites are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly where rabies is endemic. There is also a significant financial burden attached to prophylactic treatment to diminish the risk of rabies infection. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has a high incidence of human rabies yet little is known about the demographics of dog bites in the province.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the demographics of dog bites in Northern KZN.

METHODS: Records of all dog bites presenting to the main referral hospital in Northern KZN between August 2007 and September 2011 were analysed.

RESULTS: We collected data for 821 instances of dog bite. Male children aged 6 - 10 years are most likely to present with dog bites, while women >40 years are more likely to present than men in the same age bracket. Whilst initial vaccine administration is high (98%) with all grades of bite, only 82% of grade 3 bites receive immunoglobulin.

CONCLUSION: Our results correlate well with two large studies of the demographics of dog bites, but are the first to show a reverse in male preponderance of presentations above the age of 40 years. Reasons for low rates of immunoglobulin administration in grade 3 bites are discussed. Finally, methods are suggested to improve data collection and the care of patients presenting with dog bites.

Keywords: Animal Bites; Dog Bites

Language: en