Study of demographic profile of animal bite cases and management practices in a dedicated anti rabies clinic of a tertiary care hospital, Hassan, Karnataka

Abstract

Background: Animal bites cause a big burden in terms of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. These bites could be caused by rabid animals causing rabies. Annually about 59,000 persons die of rabies, of which 20,000 is from India alone. Rabies though 100% fatal is preventable with post-exposure prophylaxis which includes wound wash, anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) and rabies immunoglobulin. The objectives of the present study was to describe the demographic profile of animal bite cases and to assess the management practices of animal bite cases reporting to dedicated anti-rabies clinic (ARC) of a tertiary care hospital, Hassan, Karnataka.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from the inception of anti-rabies clinic (12th October 2017) to August 2018 among animal bite cases reported to ARC. They were interviewed by using a semi-structured, pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. Data regarding socio-demographic profile were collected from the animal bite victims. All the animal bite cases were managed as per WHO guidelines.Results: The total number of animal bite victims reported to ARC during the study period was 3500. Majority of the bite victims belonged to adult population (20-60 years). Majority were males (66.2%). 77% belonged to the rural population. Dogs (97.1%) were the most common biting animal. 79% of the bites were provoked. Turmeric powder was the most commonly used irritant. Most bites belonged to Category III (84%). Category I, II, III bites were managed appropriately according to WHO guidelines.Conclusions: Knowing the burden, socio-demographic characteristics and the management of animal bite victims in the dedicated ARC of HIMS has helped the programme officer in implementing the National Rabies Control Programme in Hassan district.

Lack of documentation in animal bite cases and its impact on rabies biologicals utilization

“…However, our study noted that 31.3% (1346) of participants applied local irritants to their wounds, dissimilar to the findings (19.6%) of Gowda P et al .’s study. [ 10 ] Regarding wound management, 53.1% of our patients washed their wounds with soap and water, contrasting the 34.1% reported in a study by Panchal SB et al . [ 11 ] These variations could be attributed to geographical disparities and distinct local treatment practices prevailing in the respective study areas [ Table 2 ].…”

Demographic Profiles of Animal Bite Cases at a Dedicated Anti-Rabies Hospital in Dhaka City of Bangladesh

“…However, prevention in the form of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is the only intervention 3 . It has been estimated that if timely post exposure prophylaxis is not given, then every year 3.27 lakh people would die just in Asia and Africa 4 . The implications for the dynamics of rabies are likely to be profound, resulting in an increase in the size of rabies outbreaks, the probability of disease persistence, and the likelihood of dog-to-human transmission.…”

A cross sectional study on pattern of animal bites and their post exposure management in a tribal district of Mayurbhanj, Northern Odisha, India

“…(WHO, 2021) .Rabies is the 10th biggest cause of death due to infectious disease worldwide. 5 Rabies is a significant health concern following dog bites, cat bites and monkey bites. In India, about 98% of animal bites are caused by bite of dogs and cat.…”