Table 2.

Risk factors associated with a high rate of infection of dog bite wounds

Age: <2 and >50 years

Comorbidities (liver disease, splenectomy, diabetes mellitus, malignancy, HIV, vascular disease)

Pre-existing edema in the area of bite

Chronic alcohol consumption

Use of immunosuppressive drugs (including chronic steroids)

Moderate to severe wounds

Puncture wound, large avulsion, crush injury

Presence of foreign material and/or heavily contaminated wound

Scalp or face in infants and young children

Associated injuries to bone, joint, tendon sheath, or neurovascular structures

Adjacent to prosthetic joint

Delay in care >24 h

Improper wound cleansing or debridement