A topic in Clinical Evidence summarizes the results of one RCT (n=96) in people bitten by dogs in the preceding 24 hours. No antibiotic prophylaxis was given. All wounds were derided and irrigated, and tetanus immunisation was updated. The study found no difference in the incidence of infection in closed compared with open wounds (7/92 (8%) vs 6/77 (8%), RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.33 to 2.62), timescale not reported.
Comment:The quality of evidence was downgraded by imprecise data (few patients and wide confidence intervals). The study is too small for firm conclusions, and may not be applicable to bites of other species than dogs.