A fatal bite from the burrowing asp Atractaspis corpulenta (Hallowell 1854).
Toxicon
; 118: 21-6, 2016 Aug.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27090012
ABSTRACT
Bites from the various species of Atractaspis are a common occurrence in Africa but deaths are very unusual. Of the 19 described species, the clinical effects of the bite of only seven have been described, and in only three (Atractaspis irregularis, Atractaspis microlepidota and Atractaspis engaddensis) have fatalities been documented. A case of envenomation is described following a bite to a finger by Atractaspis corpulenta, which resulted in sudden death approximately two and a half hours later. The victim received antivenom and although anaphylaxis to this cannot be ruled out, we consider it to be unlikely to be the cause of death. A late autopsy was performed and the findings and their interpretation are discussed. The previous case fatalities, toxic fractions and clinical effects of Atractaspis venom are briefly reviewed.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Snake Bites
/
Snakes
/
Antivenins
/
Occupational Injuries
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
En
Journal:
Toxicon
Year:
2016
Document type:
Article