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Lopes PH, Squaiella-Baptistão CC, Marques MOT, Tambourgi DV. Clinical aspects, diagnosis and management of Loxosceles spider envenomation: literature and case review. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:1461-1477. [PMID: 32232511 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02719-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Hess Lopes
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil
| | | | | | - Denise V Tambourgi
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil.
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Abstract
Critters and creatures can strike fear into anyone who thinks about dangerous animals. This article focuses on the management of the most common North American scorpion, arachnid, hymenoptera, and snake envenomations that cause clinically significant problems. Water creatures and less common animal envenomations are not covered in this article. Critical care management of envenomed patients can be challenging for unfamiliar clinicians. Although the animals are located in specific geographic areas, patients envenomed on passenger airliners and those who travel to endemic areas may present to health care facilities distant from the exposure.
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Cohen N, Sarafian DA, Alon I, Gorelik O, Zaidenstein R, Simantov R, Blatt A, Litinsky I, Modai D, Golik A. Dermonecrotic Loxoscelism in the Mediterranean Region. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/15569529909049325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Abstract
Brown recluse spider bite is a common diagnosis in almost every state in America. In fact, cases have been reported in areas where the spider has never been seen. A review of medical literature reveals that most current concepts regarding brown recluse spider envenomation are based on supposition. In this article, we attempt to review critically our present understanding of brown recluse bites with a focus on the published evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Brent Furbee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Room AG373, 1701 North Senate Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46206, USA.
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Farace F, Lissia M, Mele A, Masia DR, Rubino C. Local cutaneous arachnidism: a report of three cases and their management. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2006; 59:197-201. [PMID: 16703866 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2005.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Bites from Loxosceles spiders can cause few symptoms to gangrenous skin necrosis or even death. To date, the treatment of the violin spider bite is largely unsatisfactory. Although no specific therapy exists, it has been suggested that heparin, steroids, dapsone, experimental antivenin and/or surgical excision may be beneficial. Three rare cases of suspected spider bite and their surgical treatment are reported. On the basis of geographical area, anamnesis and clinical symptoms, we suppose Loxoceles rufescens responsible for these bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Farace
- Plastic Surgery Department, University of Sassari, V.le San Pietro 43b, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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Barbaro KC, Knysak I, Martins R, Hogan C, Winkel K. Enzymatic characterization, antigenic cross-reactivity and neutralization of dermonecrotic activity of five Loxosceles spider venoms of medical importance in the Americas. Toxicon 2005; 45:489-99. [PMID: 15733571 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2004.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2004] [Revised: 11/23/2004] [Accepted: 12/10/2004] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Loxosceles spiders have a wide distribution in the temperate and tropical regions of the world. Loxoscelism is characterized by necrotic skin ulceration at the bite site and, less commonly, a systemic illness that may be fatal. The purpose of this study was to characterize and compare aspects of the major medically important Loxosceles spider venoms in a standardized manner, particularly considering their neutralization by two Brazilian antivenoms. By SDS-PAGE (12% acrylamide), Loxosceles deserta, Loxosceles gaucho, Loxosceles intermedia, Loxosceles laeta and Loxosceles reclusa venoms had similar electrophoretic profiles, with the major protein bands of 32-35 kDa. All venoms exhibited gelatinolytic, caseinolytic and fibrinogenolytic activities in vitro with a large array of proteases, mainly between 18.1 and 31.8 kDa. Most of these enzymes were metalloproteases as this activity was abolished by 1,10-phenanthroline. Hyaluronidase activity was detected in a protein band of approximately 44 kDa in all venoms. Sphingomyelinase activity was demonstrated in all five venoms. Antigenic cross-reactivity, by Western blotting, was also observed among all venoms studied using commercial equine antivenoms produced in Brazil (Institute Butantan and CPPI). These antivenoms recognized mainly components between 25 and 40 kDa in all venoms with several minor components of >89 kDa. Strong cross-reactivity was also seen among all venoms through the ELISA technique (titre range: 64,000-512,000). All venoms (5 microg doses) induced a similar local reaction when injected intradermally into the flank of rabbits, demonstrating dermonecrosis, hemorrhage, vasoconstriction, edema, and erythema. However, no reaction was observed when each venom was pre-incubated (1 h, 37 degrees C) with Brazilian commercial sera prior to injection. The antivenoms also abolished the sphingomyelinase activity in vitro, suggesting the venoms of the major medically important Loxosceles spider species have generally similar toxic and enzymatic characteristics. Thus, as Brazilian commercial antivenoms are able to neutralize the dermonecrosis induced by Loxosceles venoms of diverse geographical origin, clinical studies should be undertaken on the potential for a single global Loxosceles antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Cristina Barbaro
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Butantan Institute, Av Vital Brazil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Machado LF, Laugesen S, Botelho ED, Ricart CAO, Fontes W, Barbaro KC, Roepstorff P, Sousa MV. Proteome analysis of brown spider venom: Identification of loxnecrogin isoforms in
Loxosceles gaucho
venom. Proteomics 2005; 5:2167-76. [PMID: 15852345 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200401096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Brown spiders of the Loxosceles genus are distributed worldwide. In Brazil, eight species are found in Southern states, where the envenomation by Loxosceles venom (loxoscelism) is a health problem. The mechanism of the dermonecrotic action of Loxosceles venom is not totally understood. Two isoforms of dermonecrotic toxins (loxnecrogins) from L. gaucho venom have been previously purified, and showed sequence similarities to sphingomyelinase. Herein we employed a proteomic approach to obtain a global view of the venom proteome, with a particular interest in the loxnecrogin isoforms' pattern. Proteomic two-dimensional gel electrophoresis maps for L. gaucho, L. intermedia, and L. laeta venoms showed a major protein region (30-35 kDa, pI 3-10), where at least eight loxnecrogin isoforms could be separated and identified. Their characterization used a combined approach composed of Edman chemical sequencing, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, and electrospray ionization-quadropole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry leading to the identification of sphingomyelinases D. The venom was also pre-fractionated by gel filtration on a Superose 12 fast protein liqiud chromatography column, followed by capillary liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Eleven possible loxnecrogin isoforms around 30-32 kDa were detected. The identification of dermonecrotic toxin isoforms in L. gaucho venom is an important step towards understanding the physiopathology of the envenomation, leading to improvements in the immunotherapy of loxoscelism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro F Machado
- Brazilian Center for Protein Research, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia
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Abstract
Loxosceles spiders have a worldwide distribution and are considered one of the most medically important groups of spiders. Envenomation (loxoscelism) can result in dermonecrosis and, less commonly, a systemic illness that can be fatal. The mechanism of venom action is multifactorial and incompletely understood. The characteristic dermonecrotic lesion results from the direct effects of the venom on the cellular and basal membrane components, as well as the extracellular matrix. The initial interaction between the venom and tissues causes complement activation, migration of polymorphic neutrophils, liberation of proteolytic enzymes, cytokine and chemokine release, platelet aggregation, and blood flow alterations that result in edema and ischemia, with development of necrosis. There is no definitive treatment for loxoscelism. However, animal model studies suggest the potential value of specific antivenom to decrease lesion size and limit systemic illness even when such administration is delayed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Hogan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center Hospital, Richmond, VA 23298-0401, USA.
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Leach J, Bassichis B, Itani K. Brown Recluse Spider Bites to the Head: Three Cases and a Review. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2004. [DOI: 10.1177/014556130408300712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Consequences of envenomation from the bite of a brown recluse spider (Toxosceles reclusa) range from mild itching to death. The bite of this spider causes the most severe form of arthropod-induced tissue necrosis. These bites pose several challenges to the clinician in that diagnosis can be difficult, systemic manifestations can occur, and healing can be resistant to conventional measures. Bites to the head and neck—particularly the face—are uncommon, and they have not been widely reported in the otolaryngology literature. As experts in facial soft tissue, otolaryngologists and facial plastic surgeons should be able to recognize and treat these lesions. Because no laboratory test is available to identify the cause of symptoms in these cases, the diagnosis is made clinically. Early intervention can make a significant difference in cosmetic outcome, so a high index of suspicion is warranted. Local wound care includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the affected part of the body. Drug therapy with dapsone may limit the severity of the bite and prevent complications. Because some bites cause systemic loxoscelism, clinicians should be familiar with its manifestations. When necrosis occurs despite adequate medical treatment, reconstructive procedures should be delayed until healing is complete. We report 3 cases of brown recluse spider bites to the head. These cases illustrate the broad spectrum of the disease course, and they highlight the therapeutic challenges that these lesions pose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Leach
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Benjamin Bassichis
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Kamel Itani
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Vetter
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside 92521, USA
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Erickson T, Hryhorczuk D, Lipscomb J, Burda A, Greenberg B. Brown recluse spider bites in an urban wilderness. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1990. [DOI: 10.1580/0953-9859-1.4.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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