Animal bites and Pasturella infections

Although bite wounds are common injuries in the pediatric population, most are minor. Dog bites are the most common animal bite wound. Children are more likely to have head and face injuries and share a disproportionate number of fatal wound injuries. Cat bites have a twofold higher risk of infection than dog wounds, with the most frequent and important pathogen being P multocida. Both cat and dog bite wounds are associated with a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic pathogens. Principles of wound management include copious irrigation, cautious debridement, appropriate antibiotics, elevation, and immobilization. The patient should have follow-up contact and usually a visit within 24 to 48 hours after the initiation of therapy.