It's Not a Spider Bite-It's MRSA!

Although there is an increased awareness of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), there remains a bias of the public and health-care workers to blame spiders as a cause of skin and soft tissue infection when there is no valid incriminated evidence for this assumption. MRSA is a formidable infection and remains a threat to human health. Recognition and proper treatment by practitioners remain of utmost importance to improve patient outcomes.

What's Eating You? Noble False Widow Spider (Steatoda nobilis).

Noble false widow spider (Steatoda nobilis) bites have been documented to cause symptoms ranging from pain and pruritus to systemic bacterial infection resulting in death. This species is found in a broad range of environments, often alongside human activity, and the spiders most often bite defensively when disturbed or when the body is compressed. Due to the rapid expansion of noble false widow spiders and their relatively recent emergence in the United States, it is important for dermatologists to be aware of how to manage their bites.

Massive dermal ulcerative lesions due to brown recluse spider bite: a rare case report and review of literature.

A brown recluse spider (BRS) bite is challenging to confirm, but may be clinically diagnosed by considering the location, the season of the year, and the clinical manifestations. Here, the case of a 26-year-old male who presented after an insect bite with a skin lesion, bruising, severe swelling, and diffuse blisters on the right lower extremity after three days, is described. Following clinical examination, patient history assessment, and consideration of other relevant factors, the patient received a differential diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis caused by BRS bite. Although spider bite poisoning is rare, proper diagnosis and management are important because, in some cases, the outcomes may be devastating.

Reversible Myocarditis Following Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus spp.) Bite in Egypt: A case report.

Black widow spiders (BWSs) are poisonous spiders of the Arthropoda phylum that live in the Mediterranean region. The effects of BWS bites ranges from local damage to systemic manifestations including paresthesia, stiffness, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, anxiety, hypertension and tachycardia. However, cardiac involvement following a BWS bite is uncommon. We report a 35-year-old male patient who presented to a tertiary hospital in Menoufia, Egypt, in 2019 and developed acute pulmonary oedema with electrocardiogram (ECG) changes that showed ST elevation in leads I and aVL with reciprocal ST segment depression in infero-lateral leads with elevated cardiac biomarkers. Echocardiography showed regional wall motion abnormalities with an impaired ejection fraction of 42%. The condition was reversible after one week of supportive treatment and the patient was discharged from the hospital with normal electrocardiogram, ejection fraction and negative cardiac markers. A routine cardiac evaluation, serial ECG, serial cardiac markers and echocardiography should be considered for any patient exposed to a BWS bite for detection of any potentially fatal cardiac abnormalities.

Brown recluse spider envenomation with systemic loxoscelism and delayed hemolysis: A case report.

The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is endemic to the South, West and Central Midwestern United States, and envenomation from this spider can cause cutaneous and/or systemic symptoms. We present a case of systemic loxocelism in an adolescent male resulting in three emergency department visits and two hospitalizations for a rare case of delayed hemolysis 6 days after envenomation. A 19-year-old male presented to the emergency department twice within two days after envenomation with worsening pain, subjective fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. He required a two-day hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. The patient was discharged with improving symptoms and laboratory results on day four before returning again on day seven with worsening symptoms. He was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia on day seven and was subsequently hospitalized for six days. This case of systemic loxoscelism manifested hemolysis six days after envenomation, following an improvement in symptoms and laboratory studies. This case highlights the need for continuous monitoring and/or follow-up in cases of systemic loxocelism.

Case Report: Soldier With Latrodectism After Black Widow Spider Bite During a Field Training Exercise.

Latrodectism from black widow spider (BWS) bites is rare in the United States. Latrodectism is a severe systemic manifestation of the envenomation that includes severe abdominal pain mimicking acute surgical abdomen and, in rare cases, could lead to acute myocarditis and rhabdomyolysis. The BWS typically inhabits dark, low-lying areas such as woodpiles, tree stumps, outdoor storage, outdoor furniture, outdoor toilets, and rock piles and is most active during warm weather months. Military service members often participate in field training exercises during warm weather in wooded areas littered with woodpiles and tree stumps; therefore, they are at an increased risk for bites by arachnids. We report the case of a 26-year-old active duty male soldier evacuated from field training with latrodectism and possible envenomation-induced myocarditis after a suspected BWS bite.

Impact of antivenom administration on the evolution of cutaneous lesions in loxoscelism: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Spiders of the genus Loxosceles are distributed throughout tropical and temperate regions worldwide. Loxosceles spp. bites may evolve to necrosis, with or without intravascular hemolysis. There is no consensus regarding the best treatment to prevent necrosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with the development of necrosis and the impact that antivenom administration has on the evolution of cutaneous loxoscelism. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This was a prospective observational study carried out at a referral center for envenoming. Over a 6-year period, we included 146 patients with a presumptive or definitive diagnosis of loxoscelism. Depending on the symptom severity, a polyvalent anti-arachnid antivenom was administered or not-in 74 cases (50.7%) and 72 cases (49.3%), respectively. Cutaneous and systemic manifestations were assessed at admission and weekly thereafter. Adverse reactions to the antivenom were also evaluated. Cutaneous loxoscelism was observed in 141 cases (96.6%), and the spider was identified in 29 (19.9%). The mean time from bite to antivenom administration was 41.6 ± 27.4 h. After discharge, 130 patients (90.9%) were treated with corticosteroids, antihistamines and analgesics being prescribed as needed. The probability of developing necrosis was significantly lower among the patients who were admitted earlier, as well as among those who received antivenom (p = 0.0245). Among the 74 patients receiving antivenom, early and delayed adverse reactions occurred in seven (9.5%) and four (5.4%), respectively. Local infection was observed only in three (2.3%) of the 128 patients for whom that information was available. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Necrosis after a Loxosceles sp. bite appears to more common when hospital admission is delayed or when antivenom is not administered. In addition, the administration of a polyvalent anti-arachnid antivenom appears to be safe, with a relatively low rate of adverse reactions.

Arthropod Bites and Stings.

Arthropods, including insects and arachnids, significantly affect humans as vectors for infectious diseases. Arthropod bites and stings commonly cause minor, usually self-limited reactions; however, some species are associated with more severe complications. Spider bites are rarely life-threatening. There are two medically relevant spiders in the United States. Widow spider (Latrodectus) envenomation can cause muscle spasm and severe pain that should be treated with analgesics and benzodiazepines. Antivenom is not widely available in the United States but may be considered for severe, refractory cases. Recluse spider (Loxosceles) bites are often overdiagnosed, should be treated supportively, and only rarely cause skin necrosis. Centruroides scorpions are the only medically relevant genus in the United States. Envenomation causes neuromuscular and autonomic dysfunction, which should be treated with analgesics, benzodiazepines, supportive care, and, in severe cases, antivenom. Hymenoptera, specifically bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants, account for the most arthropod-related deaths in humans, most commonly by severe allergic reactions to envenomation. In severe cases, patients are treated with analgesia, local wound care, and systemic glucocorticoids. Diptera include flies and mosquitoes. The direct effects of their bites are usually minor and treated symptomatically; however, they are vectors for numerous infectious diseases. Arthropod bite and sting prevention strategies include avoiding high-risk areas, covering exposed skin, and wearing permethrin-impregnated clothing. N,N-diethyl- m-toluamide (DEET) 20% to 50% is the most studied and widely recommended insect repellant.

Systemic loxoscelism induced warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia: clinical series and review.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the development of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia warm (AIHA) secondary to a brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) bite is known as systemic loxoscelism; and review epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic work-up, pathophysiology, and treatment options associated with warm AIHA secondary to systemic loxoscelism. METHODS: Cases series of two cases of warm AIHA due to systemic loxoscelism and a review of the current literature: epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic work-up, pathophysiology, and treatment options associated with warm AIHA secondary to systemic loxoscelism. RESULTS: Presented here are two cases of warm AIHA due to systemic loxoscelism. Each patient was generally healthy appearing and presented with symptomatic anemia in the setting of brown recluse spider bites. Both patients were eventually found to have warm AIHA. Upon recognition of the diagnosis, the patients were started on corticosteroids and aggressive intravenous fluid hydration. In addition, they received transfusions of packed red blood cells. Their clinical courses improved, and they recovered to eventually be discharged home. CONCLUSION: Envenomation by a brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa, can result in systemic loxoscelism which can cause warm AIHA. The diagnosis of warm AIHA is confirmed by the direct antiglobulin/Coomb's test. Warm AIHA can be a life-threatening disease process. Hemodynamic support with intravenous fluids and RBC transfusion is the initial step in the management of these patients. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of current management. Second line treatments include rituximab. Rarely patients require splenectomy for refractory disease. Corticosteroids should be tapered over a three-month period.

A potential life-threatening Asian funnel-web spider bite (Macrothele gigas) in central Taiwan.

Five funnel-web spiders in the genus Macrothele are widely distributed to Taiwan. We herein reported the severe case of a woman bitten by a male Macrothele gigas who present with autonomic (i.e., profuse sweating and piloerection), cardiovascular (hypertension and tachycardia), and neurologic effects (perioral numbness) in addition to local tissue swelling and regional limb pain. Morphine and ampicillin/sulbactam were administered. Her cardiovascular, neurologic, and local symptoms gradually improved, and thus was discharged 24 h post-bite. However, persistent diaphoresis and piloerection lasted for at least 3 days, and pre-renal azotemia was suspected. Due to the risk of severity and death reported for the Australian funnel web spider bites, we suggest patients bitten by an Asian funnel-web spider be carefully monitored and resuscitation performed as indicated.

Coexistence of Rhabdomyolysis, Myocarditis and Arrhythmia after Spider Bite: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyolysis after spider bite has been reported in a small number of patients, and myocarditis in even fewer. However, arrhythmia associated with latrodectism in children has not been described in the literature to date. CASE SUMMARY: A girl presented approximately 4.5 h after being bitten on the left ankle by a black spider. Two unifocal premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) were observed on the electrocardiogram. In laboratory tests, creatine kinase was elevated. On day 2, levels of troponin, pro-brain and natriuretic peptide were elevated. Electrocardiogram revealed inverted and biphasic T waves. Echocardiography revealed mild left ventricular dilation, mitral and aortic valve regurgitation. Holter electrocardiogram showed PVCs. Her laboratory and echocardiography findings completely normalized after discharge, and no arrhythmia was observed on the Holter electrocardiogram during outpatient follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although spider bites are uncommon, they can cause serious systemic effects. These patients should be evaluated for arrhythmia, rhabdomyolysis and myocarditis.

Rarely, spider bites can cause serious systemic effects, severe morbidity and death. In a small number of patients, spider envenomation causes rhabdomyolysis and myocarditis. In the present case, the elevated troponin and pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and electrocardiogram/echocardiography findings were consistent with myocarditis, and an increase in creatinine kinase level indicated rhabdomyolysis. In addition, the electrocardiogram and Holter electrocardiogram revealed unifocal premature ventricular contraction. To our knowledge, arrhythmia due to Latrodectus spider bite has not been described in children to date. In addition, this case demonstrates the coexistence of two serious systemic effects, rhabdomyolysis and myocarditis, with full recovery after appropriate treatment.

Brown spider (Loxosceles sp.) bite and COVID-19: A case report.

We present the case of a 32-year-old male patient hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic because of a Brown spider bite on his lower lip. The Brown spider accident occurred in southern Brazil; at hospital admission, the patient presented on his lip: edema, pustules, necrotic regions, and ulcerations. The patient complained of lower back pain, fever and dyspnea. Laboratory tests showed monocytosis, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, increased D-dimer levels, C-reactive protein, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, delta bilirubin, creatine phosphokinase, procalcitonin, and fibrinogen. The patient was hospitalized and a multi-professional team carried out the treatment. The medical team diagnosed loxoscelism with moderate changes. The dentist treated the oral cavity. The patient began to develop nausea, vomiting, and desaturation episodes during hospitalization. A computed tomography of the chest was performed, which showed signs of viral infection. The RT-PCR test for COVID-19 was positive. The systemic conditions worsened (renal dysfunction, systemic inflammatory response, pulmonary complications). This condition may have resulted from the association of the two diseases (loxoscelism and COVID-19), leading to the patient's death. This case illustrates the difficulties and risks in treating patients with venomous animal accidents during the pandemic, and the importance of a multi-professional team in treating such cases.

Redback spider bites in children in South Australia: A 10-year review of antivenom effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the South Australian paediatric redback spider bite experience and to examine the hypothesis that redback antivenom (RBAV) treatment in children is clinically effective. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all children under 18 years of age presenting to the EDs of the three major paediatric or mixed hospitals in Adelaide, South Australia, with a discharge diagnosis of redback spider envenomation between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2020. The main outcome measures include: patient and bite demographics; presenting symptoms and signs; treatment provided; clinical effects at 2 h post RBAV administration on pain, diaphoresis, blood pressure, heart rate and systemic features; overall clinical impression of RBAV effectiveness and resolution of symptoms prior to discharge. RESULTS: There were 256 patient encounters involving 235 patients. Latrodectism was described in one-third (34%) of the cases. Sixty-one patients received RBAV and in 57 (93%) patients the RBAV had good clinical effect. Two hours post RBAV administration, pain resolved in 71%, hypertension resolved in 62%, diaphoresis resolved in 43% and tachycardia resolved in 82%. There were no cases of urticaria or anaphylaxis and one case of serum sickness. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective review of redback spider envenomation in South Australian children over a 10-year period has demonstrated clinical effectiveness of RBAV in paediatric patients across all age groups, observed in both clinician perceived results and measurable outcomes. RBAV remains an effective treatment for redback envenomation in children.

Bites by the noble false widow spider Steatoda nobilis can induce Latrodectus-like symptoms and vector-borne bacterial infections with implications for public health: a case series.

CONTEXT: In recent years, the Noble false widow spider Steatoda nobilis (Thorell, 1875) has expanded its range globally and may represent a potential threat to native ecosystems and public health. Increasing numbers in synanthropic habitats have led to more human encounters and envenomations. Steatoda nobilis bites were previously classed as medically significant with similarities to bites from true black widows of the genus Latrodectus but deemed milder in onset, with symptoms generally ranging from mild to moderate. CASE DETAILS: In this manuscript we present 16 new cases of S. nobilis envenomations bringing the total number of confirmed cases reported in the literature to 24. We report new symptoms and provide discussion on the contributing factors to pathology following bites by S. nobilis. DISCUSSION: We report a range of pathologies including necrosis, Latrodectus-like envenomation symptoms that include debilitating pain, tremors, fatigue, nausea, hypotension, and vectored bacterial infections including cellulitis and dermatitis. Symptoms ranged from mild to severe, requiring hospitalisation in some cases.

Laboratory Predictors of Hemolytic Anemia in Patients With Systemic Loxoscelism.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a sensitive and specific protocol for detecting preclinical hemolysis in patients with brown recluse spider (BRS) bites by comparing a large cohort of individuals with brown recluse spider (BRS) bites with and without hemolytic anemia. METHODS: A cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of clinical features and laboratory values, including urinalysis (UA) and peripheral blood results, and timing of positive laboratory values prior to a significant drop in hematocrit was performed to evaluate effective predictors of clinically significant hemolysis. RESULTS: In total, 275 patients with BRS bites were identified (64 with hemolytic anemia). Sensitivity and specificity of UA positive for blood (with and without microscopic hematuria) for detecting hemolysis were 72% and 75%, respectively. The combination of elevated serum total bilirubin (TB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) had greater sensitivity (94%) and specificity (91%) for detecting patients developing hemolysis. When TB and LDH were evaluated prior to a significant decrease in hematocrit, they were positive in 82% of cases, while UA was positive for blood prior to a hematocrit decrease in 38% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Serum TB and LDH levels are more effective at detecting preclinical hemolysis than UA and should be serially analyzed to triage patients with BRS bites before life-threatening hemolysis occurs.