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Case Reports
. 2009 Mar;21(1):29-31.
doi: 10.4314/mmj.v21i1.10986.

Ward round--crocodile bites in Malawi: microbiology and surgical management

Biruk L Wamisho  1 , Jes Bates, Marc Tompkins, Raneem Islam, Noha Nyamulani, Chistopher Ngulube, Nyengo C Mkandawire
Affiliations
Case Reports

Ward round--crocodile bites in Malawi: microbiology and surgical management

Biruk L Wamisho et al. Malawi Med J. 2009 Mar.

Abstract

We present a case series of 5 patients admitted over 5 months to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital who had sustained injuries from a crocodile bite. Three patients required amputation of a limb. The severe soft tissue injury associated with a crocodile bite and the unusual normal oral flora of the crocodile create challenges in treatment. Progressive tissue destruction and haemolysis are complications of such infected wounds. An antibiotic regime is recommended that covers gram negative rods, anaerobes and may include doxycycline, as well as the need to have a low threshold for early amputation.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A lower limb severely maimed by crocodile
Figure 2
Figure 2
Protracted & uncontrolled infection
Figure 3
Figure 3
Crocodile bites are merciless
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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