Parasit Vectors 2017 Sep 15;10(1):420. Epub 2017 Sep 15.

The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Woking, Surrey, UK.

Background: This field-based study examined the abundance and species complement of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) attracted to humans at four sites in the United Kingdom (UK). The study used a systematic approach to directly measure feeding by mosquitoes on humans at multiple sites and using multiple volunteers. Quantifying how frequently humans are bitten in the field by mosquitoes is a fundamental parameter in assessing arthropod-borne virus transmission. Read More

Int Sch Res Notices 2017 20;2017:8934285. Epub 2017 Aug 20.

Laboratorio de Análisis Genómico, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional, 86-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica has a significant number of snakebites per year and bacterial infections are often complications in these animal bites. Hereby, this study aims to identify, characterize, and report the diversity of the bacterial community in the oral and cloacal cavities of venomous and nonvenomous snakes found in wildlife in Costa Rica. The snakes where captured by casual encounter search between August and November of 2014 in the Quebrada González sector, in Braulio Carrillo National Park. Read More

Lancet Glob Health 2017 Oct;5(10):e1017-e1025

Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Background: Haiti has an integrated bite case management (IBCM) programme to counsel animal-bite victims on the risk of rabies and appropriate treatment, as well as the Haiti Animal Rabies Surveillance Program (HARSP) to examine the animals. We assessed the usefulness of the IBCM programme to promote best practices for rabies prophylaxis after exposure in a low-income rabies-endemic setting.

Methods: We did a retrospective follow-up survey of randomly selected bite victims who were counselled by Haiti's IBCM programme between May 15, 2014, and Sept 15, 2015. Read More

Oral Maxillofac Surg 2017 Sep 13. Epub 2017 Sep 13.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, "Dr. Angel Larralde" University Hospital, Carabobo University, Altos De La Colina De Bárbula 15-25, Naguanagua, Carabobo, 2042, Venezuela.

Introduction: Animal bite injuries to the head and neck regions are an important public health problem. Most of these bites are from dogs. A 10-year retrospective study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of animal and human bites. Read More

Bull World Health Organ 2017 Sep 19;95(9):646-651. Epub 2017 May 19.

Network for Improving Critical Care Systems and Training, 2nd Floor, YMBA Building, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka.

Problem: In Sri Lanka, rabies prevention initiatives are hindered by fragmented and delayed information-sharing that limits clinicians' ability to follow patients and impedes public health surveillance.

Approach: In a project led by the health ministry, we adapted existing technologies to create an electronic platform for rabies surveillance. Information is entered by trained clinical staff, and both aggregate and individual patient data are visualized in real time. Read More

Math Biosci 2017 Aug 31;293:46-55. Epub 2017 Aug 31.

Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Hospital General Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, México, D.F. 06726, Mexico. Electronic address:

Leishmaniasis is a parasite disease transmitted by the bites of sandflies. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of the disease and it is endemic in the Americas. Around 70 animal species, including humans, have been found as natural reservoir hosts of leishmania parasites. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Aug 30;11(8):e0005903. Epub 2017 Aug 30.

Department of Medicine, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.

Sporotrichosis is a polymorphic chronic infection of humans and animals classically acquired after traumatic inoculation with soil and plant material contaminated with Sporothrix spp. propagules. An alternative and successful route of transmission is bites and scratches from diseased cats, through which Sporothrix yeasts are inoculated into mammalian tissue. Read More

East Mediterr Health J 2017 Aug 27;23(7):507-513. Epub 2017 Aug 27.

Maku Health Centre, Maku, West Azerbaijan, Islamic Republic of Iran.

This study examined the epidemiological characteristics and incidence over time of animal bites in Maku County. Data were obtained from health centre records of animal bites from 2003 to 2012. Information on demographic characteristics and bite-related factors were recorded. Read More

J Neurosci Methods 2017 Aug 24. Epub 2017 Aug 24.

Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland.

Feeding behaviour is an important parameter of animal performance, health and welfare, as well as reflecting levels and quality of feed available. Previously, sensors were only used for measuring animal feeding behaviour in indoor housing systems. However, sensors such as the RumiWatchSystem can also monitor such behaviour continuously in pasture-based environments. Read More

IDCases 2017 5;10:18-21. Epub 2017 Aug 5.

Department of Internal Medicine, Kinan Hospital, Japan.

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a gram-negative rod that can be transmitted primarily by dog bites. This life-threatening organism commonly causes sepsis in patients with splenectomy or alcoholism. A 53-year-old rheumatoid arthritis male treated with methotrexate (MTX) for 5 years was admitted for a 4-day history of fever and dyspnea. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Aug 21;11(8):e0005847. Epub 2017 Aug 21.

South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Introduction: Sri Lanka records substantial numbers of snakebite annually. Primary rural hospitals are important contributors to health care. Health care planning requires a more detailed understanding of snakebite within this part of the health system. Read More

Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2017 Summer;29(2):262-263. Epub 2017 Feb 16.

Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Department, Felix Guyon University Hospital, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France.

Stingray injuries are frequent, and although mostly benign, some can be life-threatening. We present the case of a 24-year-old man who suffered from a stingray attack in the Indian Ocean with a thoracic penetrating trauma, and its management. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2017 2;27:81. Epub 2017 Jun 2.

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

Introduction: Dog bites in humans are a major public health problem. Globally, millions of people are bitten by dogs but most of the fatal cases occur in children. There is paucity of data on dog bite related diseases among Nigerian children. Read More

Ann Work Expo Health 2017 Aug;61(7):822-835

Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, EBPI, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.

Background: In laboratory animal work, allergens are classically considered to play a prominent role in generation of respiratory and skin symptoms. However, recent development may have changed working conditions and require an updating of preventive measures.

Objective: In workers exposed to a range of animals besides laboratory mice and rats the relative role of endotoxin, irritants, and allergens in symptom generation was assessed for updating preventative measures and health surveillance. Read More

J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2017 Sep 11;27(5):579-585. Epub 2017 Aug 11.

U-Vet Animal Hospital, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia.

Objective: To retrospectively determine the population and outcome characteristics of a cohort of Australian elapid snake envenomed cats requiring mechanical ventilation (MV).

Design: Retrospective observational study (2005-2014).

Setting: Academic veterinary emergency and critical care service. Read More

J Occup Environ Med 2017 Aug;59(8):728-738

Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.

Objective: This study documents previously unreported cases of laboratory animal bite anaphylaxis in animal laboratory facilities in the United States.

Methods: An online survey was e-mailed to designated institutional officials at laboratory animal facilities identified by the National Institutes of Health Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.

Results: One hundred ninety eight organizations responded and 15 organizations indicated that workers had experienced anaphylaxis following an animal bite. Read More

Med J Aust 2017 Aug;207(3):119-125

University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW.

Objective: To describe the epidemiology, treatment and adverse events after snakebite in Australia.

Design: Prospective, multicentre study of data on patients with snakebites recruited to the Australian Snakebite Project (2005-2015) and data from the National Coronial Information System. Setting, participants: Patients presenting to Australian hospitals with suspected or confirmed snakebites from July 2005 to June 2015 and consenting to participation. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2017 10;27:24. Epub 2017 May 10.

Université d'Abomey Calavi, Bénin.

Introduction: Canine rabies remains a concern in Africa as well as in Chad. Our study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the populations towards the appropriate management of people exposed to canine rabies and effective fight against it.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study in four health districts in Chad in July and in September 2015. Read More

J Ethnopharmacol 2017 Sep 27;209:124-139. Epub 2017 Jul 27.

Grupo de Investigación de Recursos Etnobiológicos del Duero-Douro (GRIRED), Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca E-37071, Spain. Electronic address:

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Combined approaches to local knowledge and folk plant use improve awareness and promote effective strategies for the conservation of significant biocultural patrimony. Moreover, the information reported might be the basis for further appropriate phytochemical and pharmacological research. Therefore we provide an insight into traditional herbal remedies and practices for healing bite injuries in humans and domestic animals caused by the Iberian wolf. Read More

IDCases 2017 12;9:109-111. Epub 2017 Jul 12.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, 621 10th Street, Niagara Falls, NY, 14302, United States.

Pasteurella multocida is a gram-negative organism that commonly colonizes the mouth of cats and dogs, and is known to cause infection in humans associated with animal bites or scratches. Sites of infection other than skin and soft tissue are rare, but have been reported in patients with specific risk factors including anatomical abnormalities or immunosuppression. Herein, we report a case of a symptomatic urinary tract infection caused by P. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jul 24;11(7):e0005787. Epub 2017 Jul 24.

Department of Surveillance, National Institute of Health, Maputo, Mozambique.

Background: In Mozambique, the majority of rabies outbreaks are unreported and data on the epidemiological features of human rabies and animal bites are scarce. An outbreak of human rabies in adjacent Maputo and Matola cities in 2014 prompted us to investigate the epidemiology, clinical features and risk factors of human rabies and animal bites in the two cities.

Methodology/principal Findings: We reviewed cases of human rabies and animal bites from April to July 2014, and carried out a community investigation in July and August in the neighborhoods where cases of human rabies resided. Read More

Toxicon 2017 Oct 21;137:99-105. Epub 2017 Jul 21.

Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Green pit viper is a venomous endemic snake in Sri Lanka. But little is known regarding its envenoming in the country. This study was carried out in order to find out epidemiology and clinical profile of its bites. Read More

Parasit Vectors 2017 Jul 19;10(1):341. Epub 2017 Jul 19.

Ceva Santé Animale, 10 avenue de la Ballastière, 33500, Libourne, France.

Background: The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis (C. felis), is a cosmopolitan hematophagous ectoparasite, and is considered to be the most prevalent flea species in both Europe and the USA. Clinical signs frequently associated with flea bites include pruritus, dermatitis and in severe cases even pyodermatitis and alopecia. Read More

Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017 Jul;97(1):155-162

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.

We administered an anonymous survey to assess knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices related to the Zika virus among pregnant women residing in Texas. Multivariate logistic regression models controlling for age, race/ethnicity, education, and number of years in the United States assessed differences between women born in outbreak areas (N = 390) versus those born in the United States (N = 249). Results demonstrated that most women wanted more information on the Zika virus and desired to obtain it from their physician. Read More

Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017 Jun;96(6):1497-1504

Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.

AbstractAlthough specific antivenom is available in Taiwan, respiratory failure and general pain frequently accompany Bungarus multicinctus envenomation and there have been few reports on the management of B. multicinctus envenomation. We retrospectively analyzed 44 cases of B. Read More

Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017 Jun;96(6):1307-1317

Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

AbstractHaiti has the highest burden of rabies in the Western hemisphere, with 130 estimated annual deaths. We present the cost-effectiveness evaluation of an integrated bite case management program combining community bite investigations and passive animal rabies surveillance, using a governmental perspective. The Haiti Animal Rabies Surveillance Program (HARSP) was first implemented in three communes of the West Department, Haiti. Read More

Aust N Z J Public Health 2017 Aug 16;41(4):377-380. Epub 2017 Jul 16.

Advanced Animal Dentistry, Queensland.

Objective: To estimate the incidence of dog bite-related injuries requiring public sector hospitalisation in Australia during the period 2001-13.

Methods: Summary data on public sector hospitalisations due to dog bite-related injuries with an ICD 10-AM W54.0 coding were sourced from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for the study period 2001-2013. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jul 14;11(7):e0005768. Epub 2017 Jul 14.

Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.

Snakebite antivenom is a 120 years old invention based on polyclonal mixtures of antibodies purified from the blood of hyper-immunized animals. Knowledge on antibody recognition sites (epitopes) on snake venom proteins is limited, but may be used to provide molecular level explanations for antivenom cross-reactivity. In turn, this may help guide antivenom development by elucidating immunological biases in existing antivenoms. Read More

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017 May-Jun;50(3):427-430

Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, AM, Brasil.

Herein, four cases of scorpion stings caused by Tityus apiacas recorded from the municipality of Apuí, in the southern region of the Brazilian Amazon, are described. Patients showed systemic clinical manifestations, described as unusual, involuntary, and generalized tingling and numbness, reported by patients as an electric shock sensation, lasting up to 24 hours after the sting. All patients described local pain and sensation, along with other clinical symptoms including local edema and erythema. Read More

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017 May-Jun;50(3):374-378

Departamento de Dermatologia e Radioterapia, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil.

Introduction: Freshwater stingray envenomations are an important cause of morbidity in riverine populations living in various regions of Brazil. The sequelae include temporary or permanent disability. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects related to stingray injuries in such populations. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jul 10;11(7):e0005663. Epub 2017 Jul 10.

School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.

Background: Rabies is invariably a fatal disease. Appropriate wound treatment and prompt rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are of great importance to rabies prevention. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of improper wound treatment and delay of rabies PEP after an animal bite in Wuhan, China. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jul 10;11(7):e0005745. Epub 2017 Jul 10.

Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil.

Background: Secondary bacterial infections from snakebites contribute to the high complication rates that can lead to permanent function loss and disabilities. Although common in endemic areas, routine empirical prophylactic use of antibiotics aiming to prevent secondary infection lacks a clearly defined policy. The aim of this work was to estimate the efficacy of amoxicillin clavulanate for reducing the secondary infection incidence in patients bitten by Bothrops snakes, and, secondarily, identify risk factors for secondary infections from snakebites in the Western Brazilian Amazon. Read More

Public Health Rep 2017 Jul/Aug;132(1_suppl):59S-64S

1 Cook County Department of Public Health, Forest Park, IL, USA.

Objectives: Mandatory reporting of potential rabies exposures and initiation of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) allow local health authorities to monitor PEP administration for errors. Our objectives were to use an emergency department (ED) syndromic surveillance system to (1) estimate reporting compliance for exposure to rabies in suburban Cook County, Illinois, and (2) initiate interventions to improve reporting and reassess compliance.

Methods: We queried ED records from 45 acute care hospitals in Cook County and surrounding areas from January 1, 2013, through June 30, 2015, for chief complaints or discharge diagnoses pertaining to rabies, PEP, or contact with a wild mammal (eg, bat, raccoon, skunk, fox, or coyote). Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jul 7;11(7):e0005686. Epub 2017 Jul 7.

Global Health Infectious Disease Research Program, Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America.

Background: The Esperanza Window Trap (EWT) baited with CO2 and human sweat compounds is attractive to Simulium ochraceum s.l., the primary vector of Onchocerca volvulus in the historically largest endemic foci in México and Guatemala. Read More

Soc Sci Med 2017 Aug 28;187:126-133. Epub 2017 Jun 28.

Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Canada.

Dog-bites and rabies are neglected problems worldwide, notwithstanding recent efforts to raise awareness and to consolidate preventive action. As problems, dog-bites and rabies are entangled with one another, and both align with the concept of One Health. This concept emphasizes interdependence between humans and non-human species in complex socio-ecological systems. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jul 6;11(7):e0005647. Epub 2017 Jul 6.

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Background: Snakebite is a major problem affecting the rural poor in many of the poorest countries in the tropics. However, the scale of the socio-economic burden has rarely been studied. We undertook a comprehensive assessment of the burden in Sri Lanka. Read More

Perm J 2017 ;21

Physician Assistant in the Emergency Department at the San Diego Medical Center in CA.

Introduction: Animal bites are a common reason for visits to the Emergency Department in the US and worldwide. There are many different approaches to managing these wounds.

Case Presentation: We present a case of a 90-year-old white woman who sustained a large dog bite to her hand, over the dorsal aspect of the first metacarpal. Read More

Lancet 2017 07;390(10089)

Infect Dis Poverty 2017 Jul 5;6(1):107. Epub 2017 Jul 5.

Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, China.

Background: Rabies is a serious reemerging zoonosis in China. At present human rabies cases are primarily diagnosed based on clinical presentation.

Case Presentation: In August 2012, a woman and her son were attacked by a stray dog in Henan, China. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jun 21;11(6):e0005662. Epub 2017 Jun 21.

CERPAGE, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Bénin.

Background: Better knowledge of the epidemiological characteristics of snakebites could help to take measures to improve their management. The incidence and mortality of snakebites in the Americas are most often estimated from medical and scientific literature, which generally lack precision and representativeness.

Methodology/principal Findings: Authors used the notifications of snakebites treated in health centers collected by the Ministries of Health of the American countries to estimate their incidence and mortality. Read More

Rev Chilena Infectol 2017 Apr;34(2):181-185

Universidad de los Andes, Chile.

Tetanus is declining due to vaccination, professional labor management and appropriate wound care. Tetanus cases have been reported despite immunization. We report the case of a previously healthy 21 years old female patient that presented a mild generalized tetanus requiring admission after mild and recurrent cat scratch and bites. Read More

APMIS 2017 Aug 14;125(8):717-724. Epub 2017 Jun 14.

Department of Microbiology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.

In order to study the antibody seroprevalence of the causal agent of Lyme borreliosis, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), and the history of tick bites at a geographical distribution limit of Ixodes ricinus, we compared healthy blood donors in geographically extreme regions: the borreliosis-endemic Vestfold County (59°N) and the region of northern Norway. Read More

J Prev Med Public Health 2017 ;50(3):210-216

Department of Health Economic, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran.

Objectives: One way to prevent deaths due to rabies is the timely utilization of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Therefore, in addition to an understanding of the epidemiological distribution of animal bites, it is necessary to explore the factors leading to delays in PEP initiation.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran in 2011, and included 7097 cases of animal bites recorded at the Rabies Treatment Center of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences using the census method. Read More

Wilderness Environ Med 2017 Jun;28(2):127-138

School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado (Drs Brandenburg, Califf, Manly, and Levandowski).

Mountains are home to numerous organisms known to cause skin disease. Bites, stings, poisons, chemicals, toxins, trauma, and infections all contribute to this end. Numerous plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are responsible. Read More

Trends Parasitol 2017 Sep 7;33(9):718-730. Epub 2017 Jun 7.

Department of Veterinary Medicine and Food Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples 80137, Italy.

There have been multiple recent advances regarding tools for the control and prevention of canine leishmaniosis (CanL), including new preventative vaccines. In this review, these advances are evaluated based on control targets, including vector and parasite. Leishvet recommendations are provided for control practices based on the dog's risk of infection. Read More

J Forensic Sci 2017 Sep 9;62(5):1379-1382. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Service de Médecine Légale, CHU Lille, F-59000, Lille, France.

We present the case of a 91-year-old woman lived alone at her home with two domestic dogs, that is,, a Labrador Retriever and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and found dead. The investigation of the scene revealed that the Bull Terrier's jawbone and chest were covered with blood. The autopsy revealed multiple, histologically confirmed, life-threatening skin and bone lacerations without scavenging marks. Read More

BMC Res Notes 2017 Jun 8;10(1):199. Epub 2017 Jun 8.

Business Economics Group, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706KN, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Objective: Rabies is one of the viral diseases with the highest case fatality rate in humans. The main transmission route to humans is through bites, especially of infected dogs. Decisions on the allocation of resources to control and reduce the socio-economic impacts of rabies require reliable data. Read More

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2017 Jun 1;59:e25. Epub 2017 Jun 1.

Universidade Federal do Ceará, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.

Bee stings can cause severe reactions and have caused many victims in the last years. Allergic reactions can be triggered by a single sting and the greater the number of stings, the worse the prognosis. The poisoning effects can be systemic and can eventually cause death. Read More

BMJ Glob Health 2017 Mar 26;2(2):e000198. Epub 2017 Apr 26.

Oxford Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

Protecting individuals and households against mosquito bites with long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) or indoor residual spraying (IRS) can suppress entire populations of unusually efficient malaria vector species that predominantly feed indoors on humans. Mosquitoes which usually feed on animals are less reliant on human blood, so they are far less vulnerable to population suppression effects of such human-targeted insecticidal measures. Fortunately, the dozens of mosquito species which primarily feed on animals are also relatively inefficient vectors of malaria, so personal protection against mosquito bites may be sufficient to eliminate transmission. Read More