Approximately 10%-15% of human bite wounds become infected owing to multiple factors. The bacterial inoculum of human bite wounds contains as many as 100 million organisms per mL and is made up of as many as 190 different species. Many of these are anaerobes that flourish in the low redox environment of tartar that lies between human teeth or in areas of gingivitis. Most injuries due to human bites involve the hands. Hand wounds, regardless of the etiology, have a higher rate of infection than do those in other locations.
Infections associated with human bites are often far advanced by the time they receive appropriate care. Patients often wait until infection is well established before seeking medical treatment. These wounds are frequently more extensive than estimated on initial examination by the inexperienced observer and are frequently managed inadequately.
Are you able to recall key information about the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of human bite wounds? Test yourself with this short quiz.
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Cite this: Richard H. Sinert. Fast Five Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Key Aspects of Human Bite Wounds - Medscape - Apr 02, 2018.
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