title: Caiman bite.
abstract: Caiman crocodilus, commonly called the spectacled caiman, is a very widely distributed resident of the western-hemisphere wetlands. Caiman bites to humans can cause trauma and infection. There are few reports of caiman bites; however, there is information about bites by other members of the same family, including Alligator mississippiensis. A case of acute caiman bite to the hand is described, including initial treatment and outcome. The bite resulted in multiple lacerations, interarticular fracture, and infection. One of the lacerations was closed, and the patient was started on moxifloxacin hydrochloride. Preventive care and treatment including wound care and antibiotics are discussed. The patient recovered with only a slight long-term functional deficit.
authors.affiliation: Memorial Hospital Emergency Department and Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, Colorado Springs, CO 80909, USA. ghertner@msn.com
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hertner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents