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Human Bite Infections
Human bite wounds are notoriously deceptive and are often underestimated and undertreated. While controversies regarding optimal management continue, the basic tenets of meticulous wound care are no different than those for contaminated wounds.
The goals of therapy are to prevent or appropriately treat infection and to minimize the soft tissue deformity. Recognition and early, aggressive treatment are mandatory to prevent infection and associated complications.
Approximately 10-15% of human bite wounds become infected, and this considerable infection rate is multifactorial. Patients often wait until infection is established before presenting late in the course of their injury, thus necessitating medical attention. Wounds evaluated earlier are frequently more extensive than estimated on initial examination by the inexperienced observer and are frequently managed inadequately.
The bacterial inoculum of human bite wounds is rich in oral flora, as saliva contains as many as 100,000,000 organisms per mL, representing as many as 190 different species. Moreover, most of these injuries occur on the hands, and hand wounds of any cause have a higher infection rate than similar wounds in other anatomic locations.
The possibility of transmission of disease through human bites must be considered. Human bites have been shown to transmit hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus (HSV), syphilis, tuberculosis, actinomycosis, and tetanus. Evidence suggests that it is biologically possible to transmit HIV through human bites, although this is quite unlikely.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dindukurthi Sudhakar on -
Thank you.
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Permalink Reply by Vu Le on -
Well i too believe that human saliva is contaminated & carries million of dangerous bacteria, which if transmitted can leave hell lot of heath issues. That is why biting should be somewhat ignored for a healthy relationship. Since through this biting habits many unknown & dangerous diseases get transmitted unknowingly.
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Permalink Reply by Dahl Sagucio on -
This is funny. When your partner nibble your ear, kiss you passionately, you will never think of infection.
Maybe if the other person is sick, you have to remind each other of contamination.
So if you are being attacked by a rapist, or a drunk hoodlum..Better bite him if you don't have weapon..lol
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Permalink Reply by DR.MOHAN SHARMA on -
Approximately 10-15% of human bite wounds become infected, a considerable infection rate that arises from multiple factors. Patients often wait until infection is established before presenting late in the course of their injury, thus necessitating medical attention. Wounds evaluated earlier are frequently more extensive than estimated on initial examination by the inexperienced observer and are frequently managed inadequately. (See Prognosis, Presentation, Treatment, and Medication.)
The bacterial inoculum of human bite wounds is rich in oral flora, as saliva contains as many as 100 million organisms per milliliter, representing as many as 190 different species. Moreover, most of these injuries occur on the hands, and hand wounds of any cause have a higher infection rate than do similar wounds in other anatomic locations.
The possibility of transmission of disease through human bites must be considered. Human bites have been shown to transmit hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus (HSV), syphilis, tuberculosis, actinomycosis, and tetanus. Evidence suggests that it is biologically possible to transmit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through human bites.
Although controversies exist regarding the optimal management of human bites, the basic tenets of meticulous wound care are the same as those for other contaminated wounds. The goals of therapy are to minimize possible soft tissue deformity and to prevent or appropriately treat infection. Recognition of the high risk of infectious complications and early aggressive treatment are mandatory to prevent serious wound infection and its associated complications.
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Permalink Reply by Elda Duego on -
Is this the so called Kiss marks?..Hi hi hi..constant necking leaves a trace..
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