Beneath the bark: mapping dog bite patterns and injury severity – a cross-sectional study at rural health training centre Santhpur, Bidar, Karnataka

Deva C.; Dilip S. Rathod; Pallavi M. Kesari

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20263511

Authors

Deva C. Department of Community Medicine, Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bidar, Karnataka, India
Dilip S. Rathod Department of Community Medicine, Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bidar, Karnataka, India
Pallavi M. Kesari Department of Community Medicine, Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bidar, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20263511

Keywords:

Dog bite, Post-exposure prophylaxis, Rabies, Rabies immunoglobulin, Rural health training centre

Abstract

Background: Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease that invariably affects the central nervous system, with dogs responsible for virus transmission in up to 99% of human cases. India remains endemic for rabies and accounts for approximately 36% of global rabies deaths. Objectives were to describe the pattern and severity of injuries among patients presenting with dog bite complaints to rural health training centre.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2026 to May 2026 at RHTC Santhpur, Bidar. All 63 patients presenting with dog bite complaints were enrolled and data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic profiles, bite characteristics, wound categorization, and post-exposure management. Analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2022.

Results: Of the 63 patients, 46 (73%) were male. The most affected age group was 6-25 years (42.86%). The majority of bites occurred in the evening (38.1%) and stray dogs accounted for (52.4%) of bites. Unprovoked bites were predominant (77.78%). Lower limbs were the most commonly bitten site (71.4%). Category II wounds predominated (85.7%), while category III wounds constituted (14.3%). First aid with soap and water was performed by (98.4%) of victims. However, only (11.1%) of category III patients received rabies immunoglobulin (RIG).

Conclusions: Dog bites predominantly affect young, productive-age males, with a near-equal burden from stray and pet dogs. The critical gap in RIG availability for category III patients represents a serious public health concern requiring urgent systemic intervention.

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