GuidelinesOther guideline
Bite Infections
Infection Bite infections Brief outline/clinical setting 10–20% of bite wounds become infected, including 30–50% of cat bites, 5–25% of dog bites, and 20–25% of human bites, respectively. Aetiologies/organisms Human: skin flora (streptococci, S. aureus); oral flora ( Eikenella corrodens , anaerobes ( Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus )). HBV, HCV, and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis should be consi
| Infection | Bite infections |
| Brief outline/clinical setting | 10–20% of bite wounds become infected, including 30–50% of cat bites, 5–25% of dog bites, and 20–25% of human bites, respectively. |
| Aetiologies/organisms | Human: skin flora (streptococci, S. aureus); oral flora (Eikenella corrodens, anaerobes (Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus)). HBV, HCV, and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis should be considered in every case. Animals: Pasteurella spp, Capnocytophagia canimorsus, anaerobes. Assess need for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. |
| Optimal antimicrobial selection | Amoxicillin- clavulanate 1g 12 hourly po/1.2g 8 hourly IVI |
| Duration | 5 to 14 days, with close outpatient follow-up. Antibiotic therapy should be continued at least one to two days after signs and symptoms have resolved; this is typically less than seven days, but longer treatment may be needed if there is slow resolution of skin and soft tissue findings. |
| Alternative if allergic/not available | Co-trimoxazole 1–2 double strength tablets bd po /Ciprofloxacin 400mg 8 hourly IVI PLUS metronidazole 500mg 8 hourly IVI |
| Rationale | The decision to initiate parenteral therapy should be based on individual clinical circumstances, such as severity of clinical presentation and patient comorbidities. |
| Level of evidence | Guidelines (Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence) |
| Link to Guideline | Click here |