Nonvenomous snakebite in Massachusetts: prophylactic antibiotics are unnecessary.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate wound infection in nonvenomous snakebite.


METHODS
Prospective clinical series.


METHODS
Massachusetts Poison Control System.


METHODS
Seventy-two consecutive children and adults with nonenvenomated snakebite wounds.


METHODS
Patients were examined and advised that there was no published clinical evidence that prophylactic antibiotics were beneficial for nonenvenomated snakebites. They were re-examined five to ten days after the bite.


RESULTS
Four patients used prophylactic antibiotics; 68 did not. There were no wound infections. Plain radiographs revealed a snake tooth fragment in the persistently tender wound of one patient bitten by his pet python.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite reports that pathogenic bacteria can be isolated from snakes' mouths, nonenvenomated snakebites in Massachusetts usually do not require prophylactic antibiotic therapy. Radiography is occasionally indicated for persistently tender wounds inflicted by large snakes.
Weed
H G
HG
Department of Internal Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents