Evaluation of Cases with Rabid Animal Contact in Gaziantep City Hospital

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the general characteristics and prophylaxis status of cases admitted to our hospital due to rabid animal contact. Material and Methods: Cases with rabid animal contact who were admitted to hospital between March 2024 and August 2024 were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The mean age of the 660 cases was 21.45 ± 17.12 years. 55.8% (n=368) of them were male and 44.2% (n=292) were female. 590 (89.4%) of cases applied within the first 24 hours after contact, while 70 (10.6%) applied after 24 hours. Prophylaxis was not recommended in 40.5% (n: 267), and prophylaxis was recommended in 59.5% (n: 393). The most common type of animal contact was cats (68.3%, n=451), followed by dogs (29.8%, n=197). 72% (n=475) of the animals were stray. Considering the wound depth, 380 (96.7%) of cases recommended for prophylaxis were evaluated as category type 2, and 13 (3.3%) were evaluated as category 3. Of cases recommended for prophylaxis, 20.3% (n=80) received 4 doses of rabies vaccine, 42.7% (n=168) received 3 doses of rabies vaccine, and 3.3% (n=13) received Human Rabies Immune Globulin in addition to the vaccine. Conclusion: The intensity of exposure with stray animals is a serious public health problem that has been going on from the past to the present in terms of rabies risk. Early referral to a health center after a rabid animal contact, wound care, and timely administration of appropriate rabies prophylaxis show that rabies is a preventable disease.