Incidence of dog bite and anti-rabies vaccine utilization in the, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria: A 12-year assessment.

AIM: To assess the incidence of dog bite and utilization of anti-rabies vaccine between January 1997 and December 2008.
METHODS: Reported cases of dog bite from archives were collected and analyzed in the Accident and Emergency Centre of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. RESULT: A total of 143 cases were reported and none was previously immunized. They were between 14 and 64 years with male and female ratio 7.2:1. Among them, 53% cases were reported within 24h, 36% cases were reported after 30 days and 11% cases reported after two months of affliction. Limbs were most afflicted. Forty-two [29.37%] patients had multiple sites of bite. Minor bleeding was in [71.33%] victims. Five hundred and eighty-seven doses of Rabipur brand of anti-rabies vaccines of which 65.42% were administered intradermally and 34.58% were administered intramuscularly. Only 71% of the victims were treated with Imogam Rabies brand of Rabies Immunoglobulin G. Sixty-three dog owners claimed that their dogs were vaccinated. Of the total victims, 137[95.80%] completed their routine 5 days anti-rabies regimen. Forty-seven (32.87%) were hospitalized; maximum duration was [167 + or - 0.71 h]. Ciprofloxacin and paracetamol were most frequently used antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, respectively. All had anti-tetanus sera. One had traditional medication prior to report presented with clinical sign of hydrophobia. He died despite therapy.
CONCLUSION: The incidence of dog bite although rare, there is need for adequate procurement and stocking of anti-rabies vaccine to meet the need of the afflicted in this region. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.