[Bite wounds and infection prophylaxis. Evidence-based therapeutic recommendations].

Infections are common complications of bite wounds, changing in severity from local cellulitis to life-threatening septicaemia. Treatment recommendations are often contradictory and rarely reflect evidence-based medicine. Risk factors associated with higher rates of infection include localization on the hands, puncture wounds and age older than 50 years. The literature is critically reviewed for evidence-based treatment of bite wounds. The results are discussed with respect to common practice in Denmark.