BITE BACK: UNPACKING ANIMAL BITE INFECTIONS

Course overview

THE COURSE WILL REVIEW COMMON CAUSES OF ANIMAL BITE INFECTIONS IN THE U.S. IT WILL DESCRIBE COMMON ANIMALS WHOSE BITES LEAD TO INFECTIONS, AND THE RISK OF INFECTION WITH EACH TYPE OF ANIMAL BITE. THIS COURSE IS RELEVANT FOR A VARIETY OF PEOPLE IN THE HEALTHCARE FIELD. PRIMARY CARE AND EMERGENCY PROVIDERS MAY ENCOUNTER PATIENTS WHO PRESENT WITH ANIMAL BITES AND NEED TO BE PREPARED TO DEVELOP A TREATMENT PLAN. NOT ALL ANIMAL BITES HAVE THE SAME RISK OF LEADING TO AN INFECTION. THE MICROBIOLOGY VARIES BASED ON THE COMMENSAL ORGANISMS IN THE MOUTHS OF DIFFERENT ANIMALS. PROVIDERS WILL NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE INITIAL MANAGEMENT OF THESE BITES, INCLUDING ANTIMICROBIAL THERAPY AND POST-EXPOSURE VACCINATIONS. RAPID IDENTIFICATION OF RISK AND NEEDS IS ESSENTIAL FOR PROPER MANAGEMENT. PROVIDERS SHOULD BE UP TO DATE ON TREATMENT AND VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS TO PROVIDE THE BEST CARE TO PATIENTS.