CLINICO-SOCIAL PROFILE OF ANIMAL BITE CASES IN THE PATIENTS ATTENDING ANTI RABIES OPD AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease responsible for an estimated 59,000 human deaths and over 3.7 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost every year. Rabies is almost invariably fatal once clinical signs occur, as a result of acute progressive encephalitis. Rabies occurs mainly in underserved populations, both rural and urban. Objectives: 1. To study the clinico- social profile of animal bite cases. 2.To suggest recommendation based on study finding. Methods: Study type and Design: Study design: Record based hospital study. Sample size: All animal bite (3140) cases attending, Anti – Rabies Vaccination clinic at tertiary care hospital,  in the  period of 6 months. Result: Total patients attended ARV opd were 3140. Out of total patients, 38.28% of cases belonged to category II bites. Maximum no. of patients (51.34 %) initiate their treatment on 2^nd or 3^rd day. Out of total 3140 patients, 56.21% patients belong to category III, out of which 68% of category III patients received ARS. Conclusions: Of all animal bites most of cases were category-II, which can effectively treated by the means of OPD measures e.g. ARV and TT injections, even category III patients were not taking  inj. ARS mainly due to financial strain, hence continues supply of ARS free of cost to all cat III should be there.