Spider bites of medical significance in the Mediterranean area: misdiagnosis, clinical features and management
J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis.
; 26: e20190100, 2020. graf
Article
em En
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| ID: vti-32335
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BR1.1
Localização: BR68.1
ABSTRACT
Despite the disrepute spiders have had for centuries, their bite is a rare occurrence. In the Mediterranean area, only two of the numerous known species are considered of medical significance:
Latrodectus tredecimguttatus and Loxosceles rufescens. Spider bites have no pathognomonic signs or symptoms, therefore most diagnoses are presumptive; a spider bite can only be diagnosed when a spider (seen at the time of the bite) is collected and identified by an expert, since most physicians and patients are unable to recognize a certain spider species or distinguish spiders from other arthropods. Skin lesions of uncertain etiology are too often attributed to spider bites. In most cases, these are actually skin and soft-tissue infections, allergic reactions, dermatoses etc. Misdiagnosing a wound as a spider bite can lead to delays in appropriate care, cause adverse or even fatal outcomes and have medical-legal implications. Concerningly, misinformation on spider bites also affects the medical literature and it appears there is lack of awareness on current therapeutic indications for verified bites.(AU)Palavras-chave
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Base de dados:
VETINDEX
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis.
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article