Bite wound infections of the lower extremity

Animal bite wounds of the lower extremity are considered high-risk wounds for infection, especially in the medically compromised individual. Management should be aggressive. Copious irrigation and debridement of the wound clearly proves to be of greater value in the prevention of infection than the indiscriminate use of so-called "prophylactic" antibiotic agents. Frankly infected wounds must also be managed aggressively, incorporating the use of antibiotics to eradicate the infection. Empiric use of an agent containing clavulanic acid or sulbactam is suggested until results are obtained from the bacterial culture and sensitivity. Tetanus prophylaxis should be considered for every bite wound, whereas rabies prophylaxis is warranted in selected cases.