1111The Evaluation of the Results of Postexposure Rabies Prophylaxis in a Turkish State Hospital

Background. The aim of this study was to understand the use and distribution of human rabies post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccination in Izmir. Methods. A retrospective analysis of the files of all patients who consulted for rabies PEP at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of Karsiyaka State Hospiltal in Izmir, Turkey, between January 2013 and June 2013 was conducted. Results. PEP data were evaluated in 1314 patients. Males (57.2%) accounted for significantly more PEP events than females (42.8%) (P < 0.005). The mean age of the cases was 32.11 (0-89) years old. The number of patients with cat bites or scratching (49.6%) was similar with dog bites (47.8%) (P > 0.5). The mean admission time for PEP was 0.70 days. Post exposure treatment was provided throughout the year with a higher number during the spring and summer months. Fifty-five percent (n = 723) of the patients received an incomplete course of vaccine (<5-doses of vaccine intramuscular). The most common injury sites were right and left hands (16% and 14%). Lower limb/buttock injuries were significantly higher in children than adults, but the adults sufferred significantly more severe injury. The majority of dog bite injuries were washed with soap and irrigated with water or saline and 92% of the cases received PEP. The compliance with the protocol of five injections was 45%. In 40% of the patients, PEP discontinued after the third injection. Thirteen percent of the cases abandoned PEP after the first injection. Eighty-five percent of cats and 79% of the dogs were unclaimed. Sixty-five of the owned cats and 42% of the owned dogs were unvaccinated. The history of previous contact with suspected animals was reported in 9% of the cases and 78% of them had PEP history. PEP wasn’t discontinued for adverse effect in any cases. The most common adverse effect were pain at site of administration (5.8%), headache (4.4%), and arthralgia (2.5%). Conclusion. Because the frequency of stray animals in developing countries is more, the risk of trauma due to suspected animal bites is common. Control of stray animals and more effective PEP program are important approaches in prevention of human rabies. Disclosures. All authors: No reported disclosures.