INTRODUCTION: Dog bites are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly where rabies is endemic. There is also a significant financial burden attached to prophylactic treatment to diminish the risk of rabies infection. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has a high incidence of human rabies yet little is known about the demographics of dog bites in the province. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the demographics of dog bites in Northern KZN. METHODS: Records of all dog bites presenting to the main referral hospital in Northern KZN between August 2007 and September 2011 were analysed. RESULTS: We collected data for 821 instances of dog bite. Male children aged 6 - 10 years are most likely to present with dog bites, while women >40 years are more likely to present than men in the same age bracket. Whilst initial vaccine administration is high (98%) with all grades of bite, only 82% of grade 3 bites receive immunoglobulin. CONCLUSION: Our results correlate well with two large studies of the demographics of dog bites, but are the first to show a reverse in male preponderance of presentations above the age of 40 years. Reasons for low rates of immunoglobulin administration in grade 3 bites are discussed. Finally, methods are suggested to improve data collection and the care of patients presenting with dog bites.
INTRODUCTION:Dog bites are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly where rabies is endemic. There is also a significant financial burden attached to prophylactic treatment to diminish the risk of rabies infection. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has a high incidence of human rabies yet little is known about the demographics of dog bites in the province. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the demographics of dog bites in Northern KZN. METHODS: Records of all dog bites presenting to the main referral hospital in Northern KZN between August 2007 and September 2011 were analysed. RESULTS: We collected data for 821 instances of dog bite. Male children aged 6 - 10 years are most likely to present with dog bites, while women >40 years are more likely to present than men in the same age bracket. Whilst initial vaccine administration is high (98%) with all grades of bite, only 82% of grade 3 bites receive immunoglobulin. CONCLUSION: Our results correlate well with two large studies of the demographics of dog bites, but are the first to show a reverse in male preponderance of presentations above the age of 40 years. Reasons for low rates of immunoglobulin administration in grade 3 bites are discussed. Finally, methods are suggested to improve data collection and the care of patients presenting with dog bites.
Authors: Micaela De la Puente-León; Michael Z Levy; Amparo M Toledo; Sergio Recuenco; Julianna Shinnick; Ricardo Castillo-Neyra Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2020-09 Impact factor: 2.345
Authors: Peter Suwirakwenda Nyasulu; Jacqueline Weyer; Rea Tschopp; Adane Mihret; Abraham Aseffa; Samuel Victor Nuvor; Jacques Lukenze Tamuzi; Luke Nyakarahuka; Gideon Kofi Helegbe; Nyanda Elias Ntinginya; Melaku Tefera Gebreyesus; Seydou Doumbia; Reinhard Busse; Christian Drosten Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2021-12-02 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Boakye-Yiadom Adomako; Frank Baiden; Samuel Sackey; Donne Kofi Ameme; Fred Wurapa; Kofi Mensah Nyarko; Ernest Kenu; Edwin Afari Journal: J Trop Med Date: 2018-07-02