Bite and the risk for infection

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Bite and the risk for infection

Most bites will not become infected if they are properly cleaned and cared for. However, certain types of bites are more likely to become infected if the bite penetrates all the layers of skin (more than a scratch). These types of bites may be treated with an antibiotic to prevent infection (prophylactic treatment). If you have a bite that is at high risk for infection, evaluation and treatment by your health professional are needed.

Some health conditions may increase your risk of infections because your body may not be able to fight infection. If you have a bite and one of the following health problems, evaluation and treatment by your health professional are needed.

• Diabetes
• Peripheral arterial disease
• An impaired immune system

Animal bites

Certain animal bites have a high risk for infection.

• Cat bites are the most likely bite to become infected. Infection from a cat bite can occur very quickly.
• Crushing bite injuries from animals with powerful jaws cause damage to underlying tissue, which increases the risk for infection.
• Bites from wild animals, livestock animals, and exotic pets, such as monkeys or alligators, can transmit bacteria or viruses that cause infection.

Human bites

Human bites are the second most likely bite to become infected. Human bites can transmit a blood-borne disease, particularly hepatitis B. A bite can transmit other diseases, such as herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, syphilis, or tuberculosis.

Sometimes a person delays seeking care for a bite because the person was bitten by a pet or because the person is embarrassed by the circumstances of the bite. When a bite has a high risk for infection, it is important to seek medical treatment.

Credits

Last updated:	June 10, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer