Incidence of injuries caused by dogs and cats treated in emergency departments in a major Italian city.

摘要: Objective: This study aimed to estimate the incidence and characteristics of injuries caused by dogs cats in population a major Italian city. Methods: The clinical records all patients attending emergency department (ED) were obtained from two main hospitals city, covering an estimated over half million. A case was defined as patient admitted for bite or scratch dogs, cats, other mammals between 1 January 2000 31 December 2002. For each case, information collected included age sex patient, anatomical site injury, species animal involved. Results: average yearly dog cat bite/scratches 58.4 17.9 cases per 100 000 residents, respectively. Admissions peaked during summer months. Dogs accounted 76.9% 19.7% cases. Dog significantly more common males younger individuals. Children than 9 years had higher risk being bitten on head, face, neck. Conversely, females older people. Conclusions: Surveillance could provide useful planning evaluating public health interventions. Collection data hospital EDs may be appropriate, simple, quick tool monitoring phenomenon associated factors.