Brown spiders (Loxosceles) are taking hold in Pernambuco, Brazil: a case series, 2018-2022.

OBJECTIVE: To describe accidents involving brown spider (genus Loxosceles) bites notified by the Pernambuco Poison Information and Care Center (CIATox-PE), Brazil, from January 2018 to December 2022. METHODS: This was a case series study of brown spider bites notified by the CIATox-PE. RESULTS: The study included 22 cases with median age of 35 years, the majority being female (13); the cases occurred in rural and urban areas (12 versus 10), at night (10); Petrolina was the municipality with the highest number of notifications (6); spider bites occurred mainly in the lower (11) and upper (9) limbs, almost exclusively inside households (21); specific serum therapy was not indicated for 8 cases because the time for its effectiveness had already elapsed. CONCLUSION: Loxoscelism cases occurred more frequently in females, in both rural and urban areas and mainly at home, with delays in seeking medical care. MAIN RESULTS: The 22 cases described represent an alert for the presence of a venomous species not reported in previous studies in Pernambuco. The severity of cases may be associated with delays in seeking medical care, especially due to the population's lack of information. IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: Identify the presence of brown spiders in households in the region and the potential severity of poisonings. Alert health professionals to recognize the clinical picture with a view to appropriate early treatment. PERSPECTIVES: Develop research on poisoning by venomous animals and educational actions alerting the population to prevent these accidents and updating health professionals on care.

Spider bites in France: Epidaemiology of cases occurring in 10 years in metropolitan France.

Spiders are often wrongly designated as responsible for cutaneous eruptions. We aim to describe spider bites and the spider species implicated in metropolitan France. A retrospective observational study was conducted for all reported cases of spider bites from 2007 to 2018 extracted from the French Poison Control Centers (PCCs) information system, after exclusion of non-native spiders. We described identification of the spider, level of certainty of the bite, symptoms and severity of cases. 1194 cases of spider bites met the inclusion criteria. The average age of the patients was 36.9 ± 19.8 years. Identification of the species or at least that a spider was implicated was only possible in 346 cases (29.0%). Loxosceles were involved in 53 cases (4.4%), Latrodectus in 46 cases (3.9%) and Cheiracanthium in 35 cases (2.9%). In one third of cases, the involved spider was not known to be present where the bite occurred. Where most of the patients (n = 1111, 93%) reported at least one cutaneous symptom, most of the symptoms were neurological. The bite was considered proven in only 242 cases (20%). Despite the efforts of arachnologists to educate the public, the fear of spiders is still alive in France, where spider bite is rare with low severity and often unproven.

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.

Tendência temporal e perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos no Brasil, 2007-2019 / Tendencia temporal y perfil epidemiológico de los accidentes por animales venenosos en Brasil, 2007-2019 / Temporal trend and epidemiological profile of accidents involving venomous animals in Brazil, 2007-2019

Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal dos acidentes causados por animais peçonhentos no Brasil, de 2007 a 2019. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan). Para a análise temporal, utilizou-se a regressão linear de Prais-Winsten. Foram calculadas as incidências por sexo e faixa etária, risco relativo e letalidade. Resultados: No período de estudo, houve 2.102.657 casos de acidentes por animais peçonhentos. Com exceção do ofidismo, os demais acidentes apresentaram tendência temporal crescente na maioria das macrorregiões nacionais. Escorpionismo, ofidismo e araneísmo foram responsáveis por 86% dos acidentes, principalmente entre pessoas do sexo masculino em idade economicamente ativa. A de letalidade foi mais elevada para acidentes ofídicos (0,4%) e apílicos (0,3%). As crianças foram as principais vítimas de acidentes com abelhas, lagartas e "outros". Conclusão: Os acidentes com animais peçonhentos apresentaram tendência temporal crescente para a maioria dos agravos e diferentes perfis epidemiológicos.

Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia temporal de los accidentes con animales ponzoñosos en Brasil de 2007 a 2019. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado con datos del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria (Sinan). Para el análisis temporal se utilizó la Regresión Lineal de Prais-Wisten. Se calcularon las incidencias por sexo y grupo de edad, riesgo relativo y letalidad. Resultados: Durante el período del estudio hubo 2.102.657 casos de accidentes con animales ponzoñosos. Con excepción de la mordedura de serpiente, los demás accidentes mostraron una tendencia temporal creciente en la mayoría de las regiones del país. El escorpionismo, la mordedura de serpiente y la picadura de araña fueron responsables del 86% de los accidentes, afectando principalmente a personas del sexo masculino en edad laboral. Las tasas de letalidad más altas fueron por accidentes de mordedura de serpiente (0,4%) y picadura de araña (0,3%). Los niños fueron las principales vitimas de los acidentes con abejas, lagartas y "otros". Conclusión: Los accidentes com animales ponzoñosos mostraron una tendencia temporal creciente para la mayoría de las enfermedades y diferentes perfiles epidemiológicos.

Objective: to analyze the temporal trend of accidents involving venomous animals in Brazil from 2007 to 2019. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study carried out with data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN). Prais-Winsten linear regression was used for the temporal analysis. We calculated incidence rates according to sex and age group, relative risk and case fatality ratio. Results: during the study period there were 2,102,657 cases of accidents involving venomous animals. With the exception of snakebite, the remaining accidents showed a rising temporal trend in most regions of the country. Scorpion stings, snake bites and spider bites were responsible for 86% of accidents, mainly affecting male people of working age. Accidents involving snakes (0.4%) and bees (0.3%) had the highest case fatality ratios. Children were the main victims of accidents involving bees, caterpillars and "others". Conclusion: accidents involving venomous animals showed a rising temporal trend for most conditions, as well as different epidemiological profiles.

Venomous Snake and Spider Bites in Pregnancy.

IMPORTANCE: Venomous snake and spider bites are relatively rare in the Unites States and even more so in the pregnant population. However, the impact of a venomous bite, also known as an envenomation, can be serious in a pregnant patient. Thus, providers in endemic and high-risk areas must be familiar with the management of envenomation in the pregnant population. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the current literature on the most common snake and spider envenomations in the United States, the effects of envenomation on maternal and fetal health, and the management of envenomation in pregnancy. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Original research articles, review articles, and guidelines on snake and spider envenomation were reviewed. RESULTS: Snake envenomation carries higher risks of maternal morbidity and fetal morbidity and mortality than spider envenomation. Although the data are limited, current literature suggests that both snake and spider antivenom can be used in the pregnant population without significant adverse outcomes. However, the risks of an adverse hypersensitivity reaction with antivenom administration should be weighed carefully with the benefits. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The use of antivenom therapy in the symptomatic envenomated pregnant population is likely safe with the appropriate monitoring and follow-up. Knowledge of the indications for antivenom therapy and proper escalation of care are vital to optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes. More research is needed to determine the effects of both envenomation and antivenom therapy on the pregnant patient and their fetus.

[Loxoscelism. Experience in 200 patients]. / Caracterización clínica y epidemiológica de 200 pacientes con loxoscelismo cutáneo y cutáneo visceral.

BACKGROUND: Loxoscelism is an important public health problem in Chile and South America, due to the higher rate of cutaneous-visceral involvement. The diagnosis of loxoscelism is mostly clinical without established diagnostic criteria. There is little evidence to support any treatment used in this condition. AIM: To characterize the clinical features and epidemiology of loxoscelism among patients consulting at the Emergency and Dermatology Services of a clinical hospital between 2013 and 2017. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records of patients registered in the electronic clinical record system with a confirmed diagnosis of loxoscelism. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory tests and treatment variables were analyzed. RESULTS: We reviewed data from 200 patients. Ninety-four percent presented cutaneous loxoscelism and 5.5% cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Systemic symptoms were present in 73% of patients with cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Patients who developed systemic symptoms had an 18 times higher risk of developing cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Laboratory abnormalities were more common in patients with cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Not all patients with hematuria had cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Most patients required analgesia. Anti-loxosceles serum was not used in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Many questions remain to be answered regarding the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Studies are required to validate diagnostic criteria for loxoscelism, predictors for visceral involvement and response to treatment.

Caracterización clínica y epidemiológica de 200 pacientes con loxoscelismo cutáneo y cutáneo visceral / Loxoscelism: experience in 200 patients

Background: Loxoscelism is an important public health problem in Chile and South America, due to the higher rate of cutaneous-visceral involvement. The diagnosis of loxoscelism is mostly clinical without established diagnostic criteria. There is little evidence to support any treatment used in this condition. Aim: To characterize the clinical features and epidemiology of loxoscelism among patients consulting at the Emergency and Dermatology Services of a clinical hospital between 2013 and 2017. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of patients registered in the electronic clinical record system with a confirmed diagnosis of loxoscelism. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory tests and treatment variables were analyzed. Results: We reviewed data from 200 patients. Ninety-four percent presented cutaneous loxoscelism and 5.5% cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Systemic symptoms were present in 73% of patients with cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Patients who developed systemic symptoms had an 18 times higher risk of developing cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Laboratory abnormalities were more common in patients with cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Not all patients with hematuria had cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Most patients required analgesia. Anti-loxosceles serum was not used in any patient. Conclusions: Many questions remain to be answered regarding the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Studies are required to validate diagnostic criteria for loxoscelism, predictors for visceral involvement and response to treatment.

A case of pediatric northern black widow spider (Latrodectus variolus) bite in New York, USA.

Black widow spiders (Latrodectus spp.) are generally perceived as inhabiting southern or western United States. However, some species, such as the northern black widow, Latrodectus variolus, are also found in more temperate regions of USA and adjacent Canada. This species also appears to expand its range northward with the climate change increasing the risk of human encounters. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a pediatric envenomation from a northern black widow bite in northeastern US. Medical practitioners often fail to recognize the signs and symptoms of latrodectism delaying effective treatment. Even in more northern locales, healthcare workers should take black widow spider envenomation under consideration in the differential diagnosis particularly with suspected exposure.

A Review of Black Widow (Araneae: Theridiidae) Envenomation, Epidemiology, and Antivenom Utilization in Canada.

Two species of black widow spider (BWS-Latrodectus hesperus Chamberlin & Ivie and Latrodectus variolus Walckenaer) naturally occur in Canada and are capable of causing deleterious envenomation to humans. No Canadian literature exists on the frequency of envenomations by these species or the use of antivenom in the treatment of those patients. A review of primary Canadian arachnology data was undertaken to identify BWS populations. A retrospective review of the Health Canada Special Access Program records generated epidemiology and the utilization of antivenom for BWS envenomations in Canada. The geographical distribution of BWS species is limited to along the southern Canadian border. From January 2009 to December 2015, there were five BWS envenomations that required treatment with antivenom and all cases occurred in British Columbia. An average patient age of 41 yr ± 21 SD (range 7-59) was observed, along with three of the five patients being female. The average number of vials used for treatment was 2 ± 1 SD (range 1-3). BWS Antivenin was also obtained by facilities in Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia, but not used in any of these jurisdictions. Further investigation is necessary to determine the annual incidence of BWS envenomations and if treatment with BWS antivenin is required.

Love bites - Do venomous arachnids make safe pets?

With a global estimate of tens of thousands of arachnid enthusiasts, spiders and scorpions are gaining increasing popularity as pets in industrialised countries in Europe, Northern America and Asia. As most spiders and all scorpions are venomous and due to their mostly negative image in the public media, several governments are already considering introducing legislation to regulate the domestic care of potentially dangerous captive animals. We aimed to investigate the circumstances and effects of exposure to arachnids kept in captivity. Thus, we collected and analysed data from 354 self-reported bites and stings attributed to pet arachnids. Our data revealed that on average there were less than 20 recorded envenomations per year with ~90% preventable by due care. We also categorized the severity of the resulting symptoms and found that the vast majority of symptoms were either local (60.7%) or minor (32.8%), 5.4% were asymptomatic, only 1.1% were severe and no fatalities were recorded. Based on our database of bite and sting reports, we performed a risk assessment for arachnid pet ownership and concluded that, with the proper care, arachnids can be safely kept as pets and pose a lower risk than many other recreational activities.

Perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes causados por animais peçonhentos no município de Patrocínio, Minas Gerais: retrato de uma década / Epidemiological profile of accidents caused by venomous animals in the municipality of Patrocínio, Minas Gerais: portrait of a decade / Perfil epidemiológico de accidentes causados por animales venenosos en el municipio de Patrocínio, Minas Gerais: retrato de una década

Justificativa e objetivos: apesar dos avanços na área assistencial, os acidentes por animais peçonhentos ainda são um importante problema de saúde pública no Brasil. Entre os anos de 2015 e 2016, a região Sudeste apresentou o maior número de notificações, e Minas Gerais foi o estado com mais ocorrências. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as características epidemiológicas dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos notificados entre 2008 e 2017 no município de Patrocínio, Minas Gerais. Métodos: estudo descritivo retrospectivo realizado por meio da análise das informações das fichas de notificação do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) de vítimas de acidentes por animais peçonhentos ocorridos durante os anos de 2008 a 2017 em Patrocínio. Resultados: foram registrados 1.084 casos, a maioria ocasionada por escorpiões (47,23%), seguida por serpentes (17,07%), aranhas (15,31%) e abelhas (11,07%). Sobre as vítimas, constatou-se o predomínio de homens (63,10%) na faixa etária entre 20 a 39 anos (32,56%). A maior parte dos acidentes foi classificada como leve (89,11%) e a cura ocorreu em 98,80% dos casos; um evoluiu para óbito. Conclusão: embora os acidentes por animais peçonhentos não apresentem altas taxas de letalidade no município estudado, a incidência desse agravo de saúde tem aumentado nos últimos anos. Além disso, informações epidemiológicas atualizadas podem contribuir com ações de políticas públicas e informar a população local sobre os riscos iminentes.(AU)

Background and objectives: despite advances in health care, accidents involving venomous animals are still a major public health problem in Brazil. Between 2015 and 2016, the Southeast region had the highest number of notifications, and Minas Gerais was the state with more occurrences. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of accidents by venomous animal notified between 2008 and 2017 in the municipality of Patrocínio, Minas Gerais. Methods: this is a retrospective descriptive study conducted by analyzing the information from reporting forms of the Notifiable Diseases Information System for victims of accidents with venomous animals occurred during the years 2008 to 2017 in Patrocínio. Results: in total, 1084 cases were recorded, mostly caused by scorpions (47.23%), followed by snakes (17.07%), spiders (15.31%) and bees (11.07%). There was a predominance of male victims (63.10%), aged between 20-39 years (32.56%). Most accidents were classified as mild (89.11%) and the cure occurred in 98.80% of cases; one evolved to death. Conclusion: although accidents with venomous animals do not have high mortality rates in the municipality studied, the incidence of this health problem has increased in recent years. In addition, this updated epidemiological information may contribute to public policy actions and inform the local population about imminent risks.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: a pesar de los avances en salud, los accidentes de animales venenosos siguen siendo un importante problema de salud pública en Brasil. Entre 2015 y 2016, la región sudeste tuvo el mayor número de notificaciones y Minas Gerais fue el estado con más casos. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características epidemiológicas de los accidentes por animales venenosos notificados entre 2008 y 2017 en el municipio de Patrocínio, Minas Gerais. Métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo llevado a cabo mediante el análisis de la información de los formularios de notificación del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades Notificables de víctimas de accidentes con animales venenosos que ocurrieron durante los años 2008 a 2017 en Patrocínio. Resultados: se registraron 1084 casos, en su mayoría causados por escorpiones (47.23%), seguidos de serpientes (17.07%), arañas (15.31%) y abejas (11.07%). Predominaron las víctimas del sexo masculino (63,10%), con edades entre 20 y 39 años (32,56%). La mayoría de los accidentes se clasificaron como leves (89,11%) y la curación se produjo en el 98,80% de los casos; uno evolucionó hasta la muerte. Conclusiones: aunque los accidentes con animales venenosos no tienen altas tasas de mortalidad en el municipio estudiado, la incidencia de este problema de salud ha aumentado en los últimos años. Además, esta información epidemiológica actualizada puede contribuir a las acciones de política pública e informar a la población local sobre los riesgos inminentes.(AU)

Envenomations during pregnancy reported to the national poison data system, 2009-2018.

Envenomations during pregnancy have consequences affecting both maternal and fetal outcomes. U.S. poison center data on envenomations offers a comparative view of envenomations in pregnant and non-pregnant women. The National Poison Data System of the American Association of Poison Control Centers was searched for cases of envenomation during pregnancy between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2018 and compared with exposures to non-pregnant females of childbearing age. Odds ratios and descriptive statistics were used where appropriate. There were a total of 3,555 venomous animal exposures in pregnant women during this 10-year period, most commonly with scorpion stings. These were compared with 87,553 envenomations in non-pregnant women of childbearing age during that time period. Overall, drug treatment was administered in 350 (9.9%) cases of envenomation in pregnant women compared with 21,381 (24.4%) of non-pregnant patients. Antihistamines were less likely to be used in pregnant patients with scorpion (1.8% v. 9.2%), hymenoptera (bee, wasp, or hornet) (12.4% v. 37.1%), black widow spider (2.8% v. 8.1%), and caterpillar (10.4% v. 37.7%) exposures. There was an increased likelihood of antivenom use during pregnancy with rattlesnake envenomations (85.0% v. 58.9%) and black widow spider bites (4.8% v. 2.2%). There were no maternal deaths, and most maternal outcomes were coded as having no (1.0%) or minor (87.6%) effects. Three fetal deaths occurred, all following snakebites and all before 20 weeks gestation. Two were attributed as related, and one as of uncertain relationship to the exposure, by the managing poison centers. Most envenomations caused no or minor effects to pregnant women.

National Estimates of Noncanine Bite and Sting Injuries Treated in US Hospital Emergency Departments, 2011-2015.

OBJECTIVES: Injuries resulting from contact with animals are a significant public health concern. This study quantifies and updates nonfatal bite and sting injuries by noncanine sources using the most recent data available (2011-2015) from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program with the purpose of using these updates to better understand public health consequences and prevention techniques. Increased rates of bites and stings can be expected in this study's time frame, possibly caused by the increasing human population expanding into animal territories, as well as changes in animal geographic distribution and pet ownership. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program is an ongoing nationally representative surveillance system used to monitor all types and causes of injuries treated in US hospital emergency departments (EDs). Cases were coded by trained hospital coders using information from medical records on animal sources of bite and sting injuries being treated. Data from 2011-2015 were weighted to produce national annualized estimates, percentages, and rates based on the US population. RESULTS: An estimated 1.17 million people visited EDs for noncanine bite and sting injuries annually. This translates to a rate of 371.3/100,000 people. Insects accounted for 71.0% of noncanine bite and sting injuries, followed by arachnids (19.2%) and mammals (7.8%). The estimated annual total lifetime medical and work cost of unintentional noncanine injuries was $5,755,581,000. CONCLUSIONS: Various sources of bite and sting injuries had an outsized effect on injury rates and identify potential areas of focus for education and prevention programs to reduce the burden of these injuries on health and healthcare costs. The study describes the diversity of animal exposures based on a national sample of EDs. Noncanine bite and sting injuries significantly affect public health and healthcare resources. Priorities can be focused on animal sources with the most impact on bite and sting injury rates, healthcare costs, and disease burden.

Clinical aspects, diagnosis and management of Loxosceles spider envenomation: literature and case review.

The genus Loxosceles comprises 140 species widely distributed around the world. These spiders are nocturnal, sedentary and remarkably nonaggressive, although they cause accidents in humans with wide degrees of severity, generating signs and symptoms that define the clinical condition known as loxoscelism. Its local signs and symptoms were first reported in 1872, and over the years, a large medical literature has been accumulated; unfortunately, it is not always trustworthy. Assessing the reliability of such information, we reviewed 120 case reports of loxoscelism published in 84 articles over the past 20 years. This search allowed us to gather information on the clinical aspects, diagnosis and treatment of loxoscelism, showing that the severity of these accidents has multiple degrees and that it is influenced by many factors. Thus, coupled with epidemiological and species occurrence information, this study can be a useful tool for the clinical practice of loxoscelism. It may support and provide a multidisciplinary view that should be taken into consideration when establishing the therapeutic approach in cases of Loxosceles envenomation.

Latrodectismo en una paciente pediátrica / Latrodectism in a pediatric patient

Introducción: el conjunto de síntomas y signos provocados por la mordedura de la araña Latrodectus mactans, llamada viuda negra, se conoce como latrodectismo. En Cuba son escasos los estudios realizados y publicados al respecto. Solo se han reportado cuatro casos en adultos en un artículo del año 1998 y uno en un adolescente en el año 2006, todos de la provincia Ciego de Ávila.Objetivo: presentar el caso de una paciente pediátrica envenenada por la mordedura de una araña viuda negra, de interés por ser infrecuente.Presentación del caso: paciente femenina, de ocho años de edad, color de la piel blanco, residente en una zona suburbana del poblado Gaspar, municipio Baraguá, provincia Ciego de Ávila. Fue mordida por una araña pequeña, de color negro. Presentó mareos, dolor en el abdomen y el muslo izquierdo, y marcada palidez. Fue hospitalizada y posteriormente manifestó dolores en ambos miembros inferiores, entumecimiento, sudoración en pies y manos, e insomnio. Este cuadro clínico se mantuvo varios días. Los exámenes complementarios resultaron normales. En el electrocardiograma se detectó taquicardia sinusal. El tratamiento consistió en gluconato cálcico al 10 por ciento en perfusión endovenosa, sedación y alivio del dolor.Conclusiones: los médicos de las áreas rurales o suburbanas deben estar prevenidos ante la eventualidad de recibir pacientes con latrodectismo, debido al cuadro clínico inespecífico, que dificulta el diagnóstico. Sería conveniente la realización en Cuba de estudios toxicológicos acerca de Latrodectus mactans, por el problema de salud que entrañan su toxicidad y el no contar con el antídoto específico(AU)

Introduction: the set of symptoms and signs caused by the bite of the spider Latrodectus mactans, called black widow, is known as latrodectism. In Cuba there are few studies carried out and published in this regard. Only four cases have been reported in adults in an article of the year 1998 and one in a teenager in 2006, all of the province of Ciego de Ávila.Objective: to present the case of a pediatric patient poisoned by the bite of a black widow spider, of interest because it is infrequent.Case presentation: female patient, eight years old, white skin, resident in a suburban area of Gaspar village, Baraguá municipality, Ciego de Ávila province. She was bitten by a small, black spider. He presented dizziness, pain in the abdomen and left thigh, and marked pallor. She was hospitalized and later manifested pain in both lower limbs, numbness, sweating in hands and feet, and insomnia. This clinical picture remained several days. Complementary tests were normal. Electrocardiogram detected sinus tachycardia. The treatment consisted of 10 percent calcium gluconate in intravenous perfusion, sedation and pain relief.Conclusions: physicians in rural or suburban areas should be aware of the possibility of receiving patients with latrodectism, due to the nonspecific clinical picture, which makes diagnosis difficult. It would be convenient to carry out toxicological studies in Cuba about Latrodectus mactans, due to the health problem that implies its toxicity and not having the specific antidote(AU)

Niños con mordeduras de animales hospitalizados en un centro de referencia de Uruguay / Children with animal bites hospitalized in a reference center of Uruguay

Resumen: Introducción: Las mordeduras de animales constituyen un problema sanitario. Pueden producir lesiones de diversa gravedad con riesgo de secuelas estéticas, funcionales y complicaciones infecciosas. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas, los tratamientos y las complicaciones de las lesiones por mordeduras de animales en niños hospitalizados en un centro de referencia de Uruguay. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los niños hospitalizados por mordeduras de animales entre 2014 y 2017. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y se registraron el animal involucrado, el tipo de lesiones, los tratamientos, las complicaciones y si el caso se notificó al Ministerio de Salud. Resultados: Se hospitalizaron 106 niños (media de edad: 4.5 años). El animal involucrado más común fue el perro (80.2%), seguido de roedores (8.5%), arácnidos (4.7%) y otros (6.5%). Las lesiones fueron en su mayoría únicas (61.3%) y superficiales (80.2%), y la hospitalización se hizo en cuidados moderados en el 91.5% de los casos. Los tratamientos se centraron en higiene (96.2%), sutura (70.8%) y profilaxis antibiótica (81.1%). Se presentaron complicaciones en el 77.4% de los casos. En tres fue posible el aislamiento del agente etiológico más frecuente: Streptococcus pyogenes. El 20.7% de los casos se notificaron al Ministerio de Salud. No se registró letalidad. Conclusiones: Del total de los niños hospitalizados, los más afectados fueron varones menores de 5 años. Predominaron las lesiones en la cabeza y los miembros, mayoritariamente leves y superficiales. En el 77.4% de los casos hubo complicaciones, principalmente infecciosas y estético-funcionales.

Abstract: Background: Animal bites are a health problem that can produce lesions of varying severity, with the risk of aesthetic and functional sequelae and infectious complications. The objective of the study was to describe the clinical, epidemiological, treatment and complications of lesions caused by animal bites in children hospitalized in a reference center in Uruguay. Method: Descriptive, retrospective study. All children hospitalized for animal bites between 2014 and 2017 were included. Medical records were reviewed and data, such as the animal involved, injuries, treatments, complications, and if the case was notified to the Ministry of Health, were recorded. Results: A total of 106 children were hospitalized, with a mean age 4.5 years. The animals involved were dogs (80.2%), rodents (8.5%), arachnids (4.7%), and others (6.5%). The majority of the lesions were superficial (80.2%), and 91.5% of the cases were hospitalized in moderate care. The treatments were hygiene (96.2%), suture (70.8%), and antibiotic prophylaxis (81.1%). There were complications in 77.4% of the cases. In three cases, the isolation of the most frequent etiological agent was possible: Streptococcus pyogenes. Notification to the Ministry of Health occurred in 20.7% of the cases. No lethality was recorded. Conclusions: A total of 106 children were hospitalized due to animal bites. The most affected were males under 5 years old. Most of them were bitten at home or nearby. Dogs and rodents were the most involved animals. There were predominantly head and limb lesions, mostly mild and superficial. Complications occurred in 77.4% of cases, mainly infectious and aesthetic-functional.

[Niños con mordeduras de animales hospitalizados en un centro de referencia de Uruguay]. / Children with animal bites hospitalized in a reference center of Uruguay.

Background: Animal bites are a health problem that can produce lesions of varying severity, with the risk of aesthetic and functional sequelae and infectious complications. The objective of the study was to describe the clinical, epidemiological, treatment and complications of lesions caused by animal bites in children hospitalized in a reference center in Uruguay. Method: Descriptive, retrospective study. All children hospitalized for animal bites between 2014 and 2017 were included. Medical records were reviewed and data, such as the animal involved, injuries, treatments, complications, and if the case was notified to the Ministry of Health, were recorded. Results: A total of 106 children were hospitalized, with a mean age 4.5 years. The animals involved were dogs (80.2%), rodents (8.5%), arachnids (4.7%), and others (6.5%). The majority of the lesions were superficial (80.2%), and 91.5% of the cases were hospitalized in moderate care. The treatments were hygiene (96.2%), suture (70.8%), and antibiotic prophylaxis (81.1%). There were complications in 77.4% of the cases. In three cases, the isolation of the most frequent etiological agent was possible: Streptococcus pyogenes. Notification to the Ministry of Health occurred in 20.7% of the cases. No lethality was recorded. Conclusions: A total of 106 children were hospitalized due to animal bites. The most affected were males under 5 years old. Most of them were bitten at home or nearby. Dogs and rodents were the most involved animals. There were predominantly head and limb lesions, mostly mild and superficial. Complications occurred in 77.4% of cases, mainly infectious and aesthetic-functional.

Introducción: Las mordeduras de animales constituyen un problema sanitario. Pueden producir lesiones de diversa gravedad con riesgo de secuelas estéticas, funcionales y complicaciones infecciosas. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas, los tratamientos y las complicaciones de las lesiones por mordeduras de animales en niños hospitalizados en un centro de referencia de Uruguay. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los niños hospitalizados por mordeduras de animales entre 2014 y 2017. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y se registraron el animal involucrado, el tipo de lesiones, los tratamientos, las complicaciones y si el caso se notificó al Ministerio de Salud. Resultados: Se hospitalizaron 106 niños (media de edad: 4.5 años). El animal involucrado más común fue el perro (80.2%), seguido de roedores (8.5%), arácnidos (4.7%) y otros (6.5%). Las lesiones fueron en su mayoría únicas (61.3%) y superficiales (80.2%), y la hospitalización se hizo en cuidados moderados en el 91.5% de los casos. Los tratamientos se centraron en higiene (96.2%), sutura (70.8%) y profilaxis antibiótica (81.1%). Se presentaron complicaciones en el 77.4% de los casos. En tres fue posible el aislamiento del agente etiológico más frecuente: Streptococcus pyogenes. El 20.7% de los casos se notificaron al Ministerio de Salud. No se registró letalidad. Conclusiones: Del total de los niños hospitalizados, los más afectados fueron varones menores de 5 años. Predominaron las lesiones en la cabeza y los miembros, mayoritariamente leves y superficiales. En el 77.4% de los casos hubo complicaciones, principalmente infecciosas y estético-funcionales.

Matching global and regional distribution models of the recluse spider Loxosceles rufescens: to what extent do these reflect niche conservatism?

The Mediterranean recluse spider, Loxosceles rufescens (Dufour, 1820) (Araneae: Sicariidae) is a cosmopolitan spider that has been introduced in many parts of the world. Its bite can be dangerous to humans. However, the potential distribution of this alien species, which is able to spread fairly quickly with human aid, is completely unknown. Using a combination of global and regional niche models, it is possible to analyse the spread of this species in relation to environmental conditions. This analysis found that the successful spreading of this species varies according to the region invaded. The majority of populations in Asia are stable and show niche conservatism, whereas in North America this spider is expected to be less successful in occupying niches that differ from those in its native region and that do not support its synanthropic way of living.