Epidemiological patterns and post-exposure management of cat bite injuries: a cross-sectional study from North India

Purushottam Kumar; Suruchi Gupta; Siva Durga Prasad Nayak; Arunesh Kumar; Prem Prakash; Shubham Pandey

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20264076

Authors

Purushottam Kumar Department of Community Medicine, KMC Medical College and Hospital, Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, India
Suruchi Gupta Department of Community Medicine, MDB ASMC (Maharshi Devraha Baba Autonomous State Medical College), Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, India
Siva Durga Prasad Nayak Department of Community Medicine, KMC Medical College and Hospital, Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, India
Arunesh Kumar Department of Community Medicine, MDB ASMC (Maharshi Devraha Baba Autonomous State Medical College), Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, India
Prem Prakash Department of Community Medicine, UPUMS (Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences), Safai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India
Shubham Pandey Department of Community Medicine, MDB ASMC (Maharshi Devraha Baba Autonomous State Medical College), Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20264076

Keywords:

Anti-rabies vaccination, Cat bite injuries, Epidemiology, Post-exposure prophylaxis, Rabies

Abstract

Background: Cat bite injuries are an under-recognized public health concern due to traumatic injuries, bacterial infections, and potential rabies exposure. However, limited epidemiological evidence is available regarding cat bite injuries and post-exposure management practices in India. This study assessed the epidemiological patterns and post-exposure management practices among cat bite victims attending a tertiary care Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) clinic in North India.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 152 cat bite victims attending the ARV Clinic of MDB ASMC Hospital, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, from January to June 2025. Data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, injury patterns, and post-exposure management practices were collected using a structured, pre-tested tool after obtaining informed consent and ethical approval. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression.

Results: Adults >15 years constituted 60.5% of victims, with females comprising 50.7%. Most bites were caused by stray cats (90.1%) and occurred at home (56.6%). Upper limb injuries (46.7%) and Category II exposures (66.4%) predominated. Reporting within 24 hours occurred in 74.3% of cases, while 70.4% practiced first aid. Although overall rabies vaccination coverage was high (94.1%), only 28.0% received vaccination on the day of exposure. Anti-Rabies Serum uptake among advised patients was low (33.3%). No significant socio-demographic predictors were identified for most post-exposure practices, except same-day vaccination among adolescents.

Conclusions: Cat bites represent an important public health concern, with gaps in timely post-exposure prophylaxis and Anti-Rabies Serum uptake. Strengthening awareness regarding wound care, early healthcare seeking, and appropriate rabies prophylaxis is essential.

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