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Cortés-Fossati F, Méndez M. Comparative medical importance of spider bites in Spain over 1997-2020: a retrospective study based on hospital cases coded using ICD. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 61:891-899. [PMID: 38598337 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjae045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Envenomation by terrestrial toxic animals is considered a serious risk to human health worldwide. Snakes, hymenopterans, spiders, and scorpions have mainly attracted the attention of medical literature. However, the relative importance of spiders has been studied only in a few countries. Here, we present the first retrospective study on the incidence of spider bites requiring hospital care in Spain, compared to bites or stings from snakes, hymenopterans, and scorpions. Using ICD9MC and ICD10 databases from the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases for the period 1997-2020, we quantified the cases of envenomation by spiders, compared to those by other terrestrial toxic animals, the demographic data of envenomation cases, the relative severity of spider bites, and the geographic distribution of envenomation cases. Overall, the incidence of acute intoxication by terrestrial toxic animals in Spain was ca. 1.23 cases per million inhabitants. In decreasing order of importance, cases were due to snakes, hymenopterans, spiders, scorpions, and myriapods. Fatal cases were extremely rare, caused mainly by hymenopterans. No fatalities were caused by spiders, scorpions, and myriapods. A greater incidence of snake bites occurred in northern Spain, but no geographical trends were found for spider bites or scorpion stings. Severe poisoning or life-threatening cases due to bites or stings from toxic terrestrial animals in Spain seems to be very low, especially for spiders, compared to other countries in the world. In general, spiders do not present a risk to human health and should not be considered a major driver of morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Cortés-Fossati
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Area of Biodiversity and Conservation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, c/ Tulipán s/n., E-28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos Méndez
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Area of Biodiversity and Conservation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, c/ Tulipán s/n., E-28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Carvalho ÉS, Oliveira I, Nascimento TP, da Silva Neto AV, Leal BAS, Araújo FQ, Julião BFV, Souza ARN, Abrahim AW, Macedo BBO, de Oliveira JTS, Wen FH, Pucca MB, Monteiro WM, Sachett JAG. Prospecting Local Treatments Used in Conjunction with Antivenom Administration Following Envenomation Caused by Animals: A Systematic Review. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15050313. [PMID: 37235348 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15050313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenomation caused by venomous animals may trigger significant local complications such as pain, edema, localized hemorrhage, and tissue necrosis, in addition to complications such as dermonecrosis, myonecrosis, and even amputations. This systematic review aims to evaluate scientific evidence on therapies used to target local effects caused by envenomation. The PubMed, MEDLINE, and LILACS databases were used to perform a literature search on the topic. The review was based on studies that cited procedures performed on local injuries following envenomation with the aim of being an adjuvant therapeutic strategy. The literature regarding local treatments used following envenomation reports the use of several alternative methods and/or therapies. The venomous animals found in the search were snakes (82.05%), insects (2.56%), spiders (2.56%), scorpions (2.56%), and others (jellyfish, centipede, sea urchin-10.26%). In regard to the treatments, the use of tourniquets, corticosteroids, antihistamines, and cryotherapy is questionable, as well as the use of plants and oils. Low-intensity lasers stand out as a possible therapeutic tool for these injuries. Local complications can progress to serious conditions and may result in physical disabilities and sequelae. This study compiled information on adjuvant therapeutic measures and underscores the importance of more robust scientific evidence for recommendations that act on local effects together with the antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Érica S Carvalho
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69050030, Amazonas, Brazil
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69040000, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Isadora Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040903, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaís P Nascimento
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69050030, Amazonas, Brazil
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69040000, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Vilhena da Silva Neto
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69050030, Amazonas, Brazil
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69040000, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Brenda A S Leal
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69050030, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Felipe Q Araújo
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69050030, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Bruno F V Julião
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69050030, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Andrea R N Souza
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69050030, Amazonas, Brazil
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69040000, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Andreza W Abrahim
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69050030, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Bruna B O Macedo
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69040000, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Jéssica T S de Oliveira
- Department of Teaching and Research, Alfredo da Matta Foundation, Manaus 69065130, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Fan Hui Wen
- Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05501000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista 69310000, Roraima, Brazil
- Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista 69310000, Roraima, Brazil
| | - Wuelton M Monteiro
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69050030, Amazonas, Brazil
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69040000, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline A G Sachett
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69050030, Amazonas, Brazil
- Department of Teaching and Research, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69040000, Amazonas, Brazil
- Department of Teaching and Research, Alfredo da Matta Foundation, Manaus 69065130, Amazonas, Brazil
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3
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Gloríková N, Skuhrovec J, Nový P, Klouček P, Řezáč M. Attraction or Repelling Effects of Commercial Plant Essential Oils on the Synanthropic Cheiracanthium mildei (Araneae: Cheiracanthiidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:1472-1479. [PMID: 35674716 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The northern yellow sac spider Cheiracanthium mildei L. Koch, is expanding its range to Central Europe, especially to synanthropic habitats. The spiders become unwanted companions because of the unreasonable fear - arachnophobia, and estetic reason - silk retreats in corners, capturing dust. The most commonly used substances against spiders are pesticides, which are, however, toxic. In our work we tested the attraction or repellence of 15 essential oils (EO) from plants representing eight families to C. mildei. Our research has shown a significant repellent effect of EO from three plants, namely Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et L. M. Perry (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. (Poales: Bromeliaceae) and Musa sp. (L.) (Zingiberales: Musaceae). In contrast, some EOs appeared to have an attraction effect, particularly Carum carvi L. (Apiales: Apiaceae). Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberales: Zingiberaceae) reduced the tendency of spiders to construct the silken retreat. S. aromaticum, A. sativus, Musa sp. and Z. officinale have the potential to be used as natural repellents against spiders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nela Gloríková
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovská 507/73, 16106, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiří Skuhrovec
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovská 507/73, 16106, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Nový
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Klouček
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500, Prague, Czechia
| | - Milan Řezáč
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovská 507/73, 16106, Prague, Czechia
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Le Roux G, Richard V, Larcher G, Sinno-Tellier S, Labadie M, de Haro L, Descatha A. Spider bites in France: Epidaemiology of cases occurring in 10 years in metropolitan France. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 36:159-167. [PMID: 34910823 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Le Roux
- Centre Antipoison et Toxicovigilance Grand Ouest, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement, Travail (IRSET, Inserm UMR_S 1085), Université d'Angers-Équipe ESTER, Angers, France
| | - Virginie Richard
- Centre Antipoison et Toxicovigilance Grand Ouest, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
| | - Gérald Larcher
- Département d'Enseignements Pharmacie, Faculté de Santé, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Sandra Sinno-Tellier
- Direction des Alertes et des Vigilances Sanitaires, Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de L'alimentation, de L'environnement et du Travail, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Magali Labadie
- Centre Antipoison et Toxicovigilance, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Bordeaux, France
| | - Luc de Haro
- Centre Antipoison et Toxicovigilance, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Alexis Descatha
- Centre Antipoison et Toxicovigilance Grand Ouest, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement, Travail (IRSET, Inserm UMR_S 1085), Université d'Angers-Équipe ESTER, Angers, France
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5
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Fusto G, Bennardo L, Duca ED, Mazzuca D, Tamburi F, Patruno C, Nisticò SP. Spider bites of medical significance in the Mediterranean area: misdiagnosis, clinical features and management. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20190100. [PMID: 33061945 PMCID: PMC7534902 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2019-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Fusto
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luigi Bennardo
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ester Del Duca
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Daniela Mazzuca
- Unit of Forensic Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federica Tamburi
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cataldo Patruno
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Steven Paul Nisticò
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
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6
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Röggla G. Yellow sac spiders. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2017; 130:76. [PMID: 29110083 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-017-1288-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Röggla
- Landesklinikum Neunkirchen, Peischingerstraße 19, 2620, Neunkirchen, Austria.
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