Mammalian Bites In The Emergency Department: Recommendations For Wound Closure, Antibiotics, And Postexposure Prophylaxis.

Half of all Americans will experience a mammalian bite at some time in their life, and the cost of caring for these injuries has reached $160 million annually. Emergency clinicians must consider many factors when making decisions regarding care of these injuries: risk of infection, cost of antibiotics, time of wound healing, cosmetic and functional result, and risk of other injuries or diseases. Knowledge of the current literature and practice guidelines facilitates care for these injuries in the most cost-effective and clinically sound manner. This systematic review provides best-practice recommendations based on the best available evidence.