Salman Khazaei - Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
Erfan Ayubi - Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Shahrzad Nematollahi - Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Kamyar Mansouri - ۴epartment of Epidemiology, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.

Background: The incidence of animal bite is increasing in Iran and there is lack of knowledge about animal bite in children. Hence, the aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of animal bite in children and also evaluate delayed time of post exposure prophylaxis(PEP) in children. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 172 children cases of animal bites in Isfahan province in 2015. We used registered data from Rabies Treatment Center (RTC) of counties using the census method. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic and clinical status of bitten children. The Chi-square test was used to identify factors affecting on delayed time in PEP using Stata 12, software. Results: Of 172 cases, 66.8% were boy, and 68.0% lived in urban area. The cases were mainly bitten by cats (47.7%), and the most common sites of the animal bite were hands (55.8%). The bite incidents were happened more frequently in spring (32.0%). Overall, 30.8% of the cases received PEP by more than 48 hours after exposure. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the pattern of animal bites is different in children compared with adults. More bites caused by cats, especially in the upper limbs. Delay in PEP in children is more common; therefore, it is necessary for parents to be sensitive in this regard.

Animal bites, Iran, Pediatrics, rabies