Which antibiotic is recommended for the treatment and prophylaxis of human and dog bites?

The recommended antibiotic for the treatment and prophylaxis of human and dog bites is amoxicillin/clavulanate. This antibiotic combination is effective because it covers a broad range of bacteria, including both aerobic and anaerobic organisms commonly found in bite wounds. These organisms include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and importantly, polymicrobial flora that may involve Gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria, particularly from human saliva or animal mouths.

The inclusion of clavulanate enhances amoxicillin's efficacy against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria, which may be present in infected bite sites, allowing for more effective treatment of potential infections. Given the nature of bite wounds, which can introduce a variety of pathogens, the broad-spectrum coverage provided by amoxicillin/clavulanate makes it the drug of choice for both treatment and prophylactic measures.

In contrast, other antibiotics listed do not provide the same level of broad-spectrum coverage or may not be effective against the specific organisms typically found in bite wounds. Azithromycin, while useful against certain bacterial infections, does not sufficiently cover the range of pathogens associated with bites. Ciprofloxacin is effective against some Gram-negative organisms but lacks adequate coverage for anaerobic bacteria. Doxycycline is beneficial for certain infections but also falls