Publication:

Beneath the bark: mapping dog bite patterns and injury severity – a cross-sectional study at rural health training centre Santhpur, Bidar, Karnataka

Background Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease that invariably affects the central nervous system, with dogs responsible for virus transmission in up to 99% of human cases. India remains endemic for rabies and accounts for approximately 36% of global rabies deaths. Objectives were to describe the pattern and severity of injuries among patients presenting with dog bite complaints to rural health training centre.

Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2026 to May 2026 at RHTC Santhpur, Bidar. All 63 patients presenting with dog bite complaints were enrolled and data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic profiles, bite characteristics, wound categorization, and post-exposure management. Analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2022.

Results Of the 63 patients, 46 (73%) were male. The most affected age group was 6-25 years (42.86%). The majority of bites occurred in the evening (38.1%) and stray dogs accounted for (52.4%) of bites. Unprovoked bites were predominant (77.78%). Lower limbs were the most commonly bitten site (71.4%). Category II wounds predominated (85.7%), while category III wounds constituted (14.3%). First aid with soap and water was performed by (98.4%) of victims. However, only (11.1%) of category III patients received rabies immunoglobulin (RIG).

Conclusions Dog bites predominantly affect young, productive-age males, with a near-equal burden from stray and pet dogs. The critical gap in RIG availability for category III patients represents a serious public health concern requiring urgent systemic intervention.