Incidence of dog bite and anti-rabies vaccine utilization in the, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria: A 12-year assessment

AimTo assess the incidence of dog bite and utilization of anti-rabies vaccine between January 1997 and December 2008.MethodsReported cases of dog bite from archives were collected and analyzed in the Accident and Emergency Centre of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.ResultA total of 143 cases were reported and none was previously immunized. They were between 14 and 64 years with male and female ratio 7.2:1. Among them, 53% cases were reported within 24 h, 36% cases were reported after 30 days and 11% cases reported after two months of affliction. Limbs were most afflicted. Forty-two [29.37%] patients had multiple sites of bite. Minor bleeding was in [71.33%] victims. Five hundred and eighty-seven doses of Rabipur® brand of anti-rabies vaccines of which 65.42% were administered intradermally and 34.58% were administered intramuscularly. Only 71% of the victims were treated with Imogam Rabies® brand of Rabies Immunoglobulin G. Sixty-three dog owners claimed that their dogs were vaccinated. Of the total victims, 137[95.80%] completed their routine 5 days anti-rabies regimen. Forty-seven (32.87%) were hospitalized; maximum duration was [167 ± 0.71 h]. Ciprofloxacin and paracetamol were most frequently used antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, respectively. All had anti-tetanus sera.One had traditional medication prior to report presented with clinical sign of hydrophobia. He died despite therapy.ConclusionThe incidence of dog bite although rare, there is need for adequate procurement and stocking of anti-rabies vaccine to meet the need of the afflicted in this region.