[Bite-associated bacterial wound infections in humans]

Bite wounds are common injuries that are often mistakenly considered innocuous by both patients and physicians. These wounds consist of laserations, evulsions, punctures, and scratches. While many of these wounds require minimal or no therapy, a significant number results in infections, which may even be life-threatening. The bacteria associated with bite-wound infections generally originate from the oropharyngeal flora of the biting animal. The clinical presentation and appropriate treatment of infected bite wounds vary according to the causative microorganisms. This review focuses on dog, cat, small rodents, monkey, and snake bite-wound infections, risk factors, bacteriology, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the causative organisms, and recommended treatment strategies.