title: Bites and stings: epidemiology and treatment.
abstract: Rapid and effective treatment of bites is a major variable in the overall outcome of a patient who is a victim of a bite. There are a wide range of animals that bite and sting, and the reactions vary depending on the individual and the animal involved. Although most bites are treated on an outpatient basis, patients who have severe complications related to bites become patients in critical care settings. An overview of potential bite and sting sources, with some general guidelines for what to expect and how to treat the patient, is presented.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37240, USA. steve.krau@vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: Stephen D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Krau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002415:Cats; D004285:Dogs; D006801:Humans; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D001098:Spider Bites / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy