[Antibiotic prophylaxis for bites in children]

Children are often victims of dog or cat bites, but human bites are rarer. Infection is the most frequent complication. A very large number of bacterial species, anaerobic and aerobic often associated, are found in local samples. Antibiotic therapy is not systematic and should be discussed on a case-by-case basis taking into account the risk factors: the type of animal bite, the location and depth of the bite, and the time to treatment. Immunodepressed patients or those having undergone splenectomy are at a high risk of severe infections or from unusual bacteria and should be treated preventively. The association of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is the most active antibiotic on the majority of bacteria responsible for infections. Treatment should be initiated rapidly and continue for 3-5 days with monitoring of local signs.