Introduction:

The epidemiological characteristics of accidents by canine and feline bites have been little studied in Peru.

Objective:

Determine the frequency and risk factors associated with canine and feline bites in Lima Metropolitana, during 2016.

Methods:

Descriptive cross-sectional study at the Zoonosis Control Health Center, in Lima, Peru. The sample consisted of 2175 attention sheets of canine and feline bites. The variables evaluated were: patient (age, sex, type of accident), characteristic of the bites (type of injury and anatomical area), and characteristic of the attacker animal (species, condition and habits). The frequency and odds ratio (OR) for each of the influential risk factors were calculated with their 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

The frequency of canine bites was 93.79% (men 61.20 %). 59.30% of cats attacked women. 58.23% of dog bites were located in the lower limbs (OR 8.02; IC: 4.95-12.29). 83.70% of cats attacked in the upper limbs (OR 14.19; IC:8.90-22.65). Canines and felines most often caused unique and superficial lesions.

Conclusions:

Bite-related risk factors vary by attacker species. Due to the persistence of cases, prevention programmes should be focused on population education, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable groups.

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