From the Guidelines
Dog bite prophylaxis should cover Pasteurella spp., Capnocytophaga canimorsus, streptococci, staphylococci, and anaerobes.
Key Microorganisms
- Pasteurella spp.: Including P. canis and P. multocida subspecies, which are commonly found in dog bites 1
- Capnocytophaga canimorsus: A bacterium that can be transmitted through dog bites and can cause severe infections 1
- Streptococci and staphylococci: Common skin flora that can be introduced into the wound through the bite 1
- Anaerobes: Such as Fusobacterium, Prevotella, Bacteroides, and Porphyromonas species, which can be part of the oral flora of dogs 1
Recommended Antibiotics
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate: A commonly recommended antibiotic for dog bite prophylaxis, which covers a wide range of bacteria, including Pasteurella spp., streptococci, and anaerobes 1
- Doxycycline: An alternative antibiotic that can be used, especially in patients with penicillin allergy, which covers Pasteurella spp. and some anaerobes 1
From the Research
Microbes Covered in Dog Bite Prophylaxis
The following microbes should be covered in dog bite prophylaxis:
- Pasteurella spp. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Capnocytophaga canimorsus 2, 3, 4
- Streptococci 4, 5, 6
- Staphylococci 4, 5, 6
- Fusobacterium 4, 5, 6
- Bacteroides 4, 5, 6
- Porphyromonas 4, 5, 6
- MRSA (meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) 4
Antibiotic Coverage
Broad-spectrum antibiotics that cover both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are often recommended as empiric treatment of animal bites, including:
- Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 2, 3, 6
- Penicillin with a first-generation cephalosporin 6
- Clindamycin and a fluoroquinolone 6
Patient Groups Requiring Prophylaxis
Prophylactic antibiotic treatment should be given to: