Animal Bites and Stings in a University Health Service: A 10-Year Study on Cases, Treatment, and Outcomes

Abstract

Introduction: Animal bites and stings constitute a significant environmental emergency worldwide. It involves an exposure to toxin from a venomous source, mainly snake bites and insect stings.    Objective: To evaluate the spectrum, clinical profile and factors influencing the outcome of patients with animal bites and stings seen in our University Health Service.  Methodology: Using a retrospective design, eligible patients were purposively recruited. Data collection was done using a structured form comprising sections on each participant’s baseline information, clinical history of bite/sting, severity of envenomation, treatments and outcomes. The data were extracted from patients’ files over a ten-year period. Descriptive and inferential analyses were done; p <0.05 was considered significant.   Results: A total of 15,290 patients were admitted during the study period. Thirty-nine (0.26%) persons with bites and stings were recruited; their mean (SD) age was 28.8(13.2) years. On further analysis of 30 participants, snake bites were the commonest, 22(73.2%); followed by scorpion stings 3 (10.0%).  Dog bites 2 (6.7%) and cat bite 1 (3.3%) were less common. Local site effects that frequently occurred were swelling, 11(36.7%) and bleeding, 7(23.3%). Most bites or stings were not provoked, as reported by 28(93.3%) of participants. Thirteen (43.3%) participants had moderate envenomation while 12(40.0%) were severe. Treatments included anti-venom infusions and tetanus toxoid injection. Twenty (66.7%) participants were referred. Demographic factors did not influence the outcome of participants (p>0.05).   Conclusion: Animal bites and stings occurs in University community with variable severity. There is a need for health education on prevention and appropriate first aid care. Also, an enhanced capacity for envenomation treatment in University Health Services is desirable.