Clinical Knowledge and Attitudes of Clinicians Toward Rabies Caused by Animal Bites

Rabies is a zoonotic disease that is typically transmitted through bites from infected animals. The majority of reported cases involve wild animals like bats, raccoons and skunks, but domesticated animals like dogs and cats are also a risk. Humans are equally susceptible to the rabies virus if bitten by an infected animal. Once the symptoms have appeared, Rabies is always fatal. Death usually occurs less than a week after the onset of signs. METHODOLOGY:A cross-sectional study was conducted in which all the doctors including JRs, Interns, PG students and SRs and Consultants in the department of Surgery, Medicine, Pediatrics and Emergency Medical Officers were taken. Selection was done on the basis of consent to participate in the study by doctors of the various departments handling or required to handle dog /animal bite cases.RESULTS: It can be seen that only 76.92% knew all the Reservoirs of Rabies infection, and the difference in knowledge of senior doctor, 43(41.34) is comparable to junior doctors, 37(35.57) and the difference is statistically not significant. Regarding different Modes ofTransmission, 90.38% had correct knowledge. The Junior doctors, i.e, 39(37.50) had correct answer whereas, 55(52.88) senior doctors i.e) all answered correctlywhich is statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There is an apparent lack of awareness among doctors regarding appropriate animal wound management and vaccine administration. Reorientation programmes and continued medical education (CME) for the medical practitioners are required to highlight WHO guidelines regarding treatment of animal bite.