Management of Human and Animal Bite Wounds

In Brief Serious infections can result from wounds that are caused by bites from animals and humans. Organisms recovered from bite wounds generally originate from the oral cavity of the biting animal, as well as from the patient's skin flora. Anaerobes have been isolated from animal and human bite wound infections, especially those associated with abscess formation. In addition to local wound infections, common complications, such as lymphangitis, septic arthritis, tenosynovitis, and osteomyelitis, and uncommon complications, such as endocarditis, meningitis, brain abscess, and sepsis, may occur. Wound management includes proper local care and, when needed, antimicrobial therapy. Bite wounds include scratches, punctures, lacerations, and evulsions, and they can lead to serious infections. This article discusses the microbiology and management of infections resulting from both animal and human bite wounds.