Bites

Bites are injuries produced by teeth and mouths, ranging from minor punctures to deep lacerations. They can affect skin, soft tissue, and sometimes deeper structures. Bites may introduce bacteria or, in some cases, venom or other substances. They are encountered in medical, veterinary, forensic, and public health contexts.

The main categories are animal bites, human bites, and insect bites. Animal bites are most common, particularly from dogs and cats. Human bites arise from contact with another person’s teeth. Insect bites include mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and biting flies, which can cause local reactions and, in some cases, systemic illness or allergic responses.

Infections are a major concern with many bites. The pathogens differ by source: Pasteurella species are common in dog and cat bites; Eikenella corrodens in human bites; other oral flora may be involved. Bite wounds should be cleaned with irrigation, assessed for depth and damage, and tetanus status updated. Rabies exposure requires risk assessment and possible vaccination.

Prophylactic antibiotics are often recommended for high-risk bites, such as hand wounds, deep punctures, facial bites, or bites in immunocompromised individuals. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is a common first-line choice; alternatives include doxycycline or a fluoroquinolone combined with metronidazole in penicillin-allergic patients. Severe wounds may require surgical intervention.

Insects cause bites that mostly produce itching and redness; treatment includes avoidance, topical steroids, antihistamines, and analgesia. Some bites or bites by vectors can transmit disease, such as tick-borne illnesses; seek care for signs of systemic illness. Bites also have forensic relevance in the form of bite marks used as evidence, though interpretation can be challenging.