1
|
Zonna X, Banta CW, Lott R, Shah S, Battista A, Colleran C. Bide Your Time With Bites: A Case of Rattlesnake Envenomation in Pennsylvania. Cureus 2024; 16:e66539. [PMID: 39258069 PMCID: PMC11383865 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This case report represents a 26-year-old male with no significant past medical history who presented to the emergency department in western Pennsylvania following a western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus Atrox) bite to his hand. His initial swelling was mild, and his coagulation studies were unremarkable, with minimal changes on repeat studies, and poison control recommended against antivenom administration. He was discharged home with oral antibiotics and analgesics due to his stable clinical course. However, he returned to the emergency department about 12 hours later with worsening pain and swelling that extended to his elbow. He was then given antivenom and transferred to a larger center for higher-level care, ultimately having symptom resolution after further antivenom administration. This report serves to underline the importance of clinician education regarding envenomation management throughout the United States, including areas without indigenous venomous snakes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Zonna
- Internal Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, USA
| | - Conor W Banta
- Internal Medicine, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, USA
| | - Ronald Lott
- Internal Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA
| | - Shweta Shah
- Family Medicine, UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Klotz SA, Smelski GT, Watkins SA, Shirazi FM. Infections following rattlesnake envenomation and use of antibiotics. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024:trae044. [PMID: 39073595 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are 7000-8000 venomous snake bites annually in the USA. Antibiotics are commonly administered to bite victims because infection is difficult to differentiate from local tissue injury following envenomation. METHODS The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (APDIC) in Tucson oversees antivenom administration for 14 Arizona counties. Records (1999-2021) were searched for antibiotic use and confirmed infections after a rattlesnake bite. RESULTS There were 4160 calls to APDIC regarding rattlesnakes. After excluding bites to animals, 'dry bites', prisoners and records with missing data, 2059 records were evaluated. Systemic antibiotics were administered to 206 patients (10% of bite victims). Twenty patients (0.97%) had confirmed infections, including cellulitis (n=10), fasciitis (n=4), abscess (n=3) and osteomyelitis (n=3). Five of the victims had positive blood cultures. The presence of tissue necrosis, leukocytosis, fever and elevated fibrinogen levels did not discriminate between toxic effects of venom and infection. CONCLUSIONS Confirmed infections following a rattlesnake bite are uncommon (0.97% of bites). Physicians should refrain from prescribing antibiotics, as they are not justified for most rattlesnake bite victims and the variety of pathogens encountered precludes use of any single effective antibiotic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Geoffrey T Smelski
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Arizona Poison Control and Drug Information Center, University of Arizona
| | - Sarah A Watkins
- Department of Emergency Medicine, West Texas Regional Poison Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso
| | - F Mazda Shirazi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Arizona Poison Control and Drug Information Center, University of Arizona
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bassett TE, Schaer M. A review of 95 pit viper envenomations in Northcentral Florida (2018-2020). Toxicon 2023; 229:107134. [PMID: 37160192 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The medical records of 95 pit viper envenomations in client-owned dogs presented to an academic emergency hospital in the Southeastern United States during the period spanning 2018 and 2020 were retrospectively examined. This study's primary objectives were to record the clinical abnormalities and treatment responses associated with envenomation and their relation to outcome. Approximately 80% of the bites involved the head region associated with varying degrees of hemorrhagic lymphedema. Some of the most common additional symptoms observed were; hypotension (10%), cardiac dysrhythmias (17%), and coagulopathy (21%). Treatment in most cases consisted of intravenous fluids, antivenom, and analgesic drugs. Blood products were used as indicated for anemia and persistent bleeding. The average dose of the F('ab')2 was 1-2 vials. Additional vials (3-22) were administered as needed to counteract persistent or recurrent coagulopathy and hemolysis. Only 3% of the dogs had mild clinical signs of Type 1 hypersensitivity during their treatment period. Antihistamine use at the tertiary hospital was restricted to the three dogs showing signs of a suspected allergic reaction in response to antivenom administration; these patients received diphenhydramine intramuscularly. A glucocorticoid drug was used in only one dog prior to referral but not subsequently. Ninety dogs had a good outcome, while five died. Historically, pit viper envenomation in dogs in the southeastern United States has been a potentially life-threatening problem. Most dogs will survive if treated promptly and appropriately with adequate amounts of intravenous fluids, and antivenom titrated on severity of clinical presentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor E Bassett
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 SW 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA.
| | - Michael Schaer
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 SW 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim D, Kim S, Kim JK, Lim JH, Choi G, Bae S, Kwon YS, Jang M. Clinical features and management of snake bites in 70 dogs in Korea. J Vet Sci 2022; 23:e81. [PMID: 36259100 PMCID: PMC9715381 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.22105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snakebites remain a devastating and life-threatening environmental hazard. While the management of snakebites has been well described in humans, few clinical data and guidelines exist for dogs, especially in Korea. OBJECTIVES This retrospective study evaluated the clinical features of 70 dogs with snakebite wounds in Korea. METHODS The medical records of 72 dogs that presented to three animal hospitals from June 2008 to July 2021 were reviewed; among these, 70 dogs that met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Their signalment, history, clinical signs, physical examination, blood analysis, treatment, and prognosis were also evaluated. RESULTS Of 70 dog owners, 35 (50%) witnessed the bite, with a mean time between bite and hospital presentation of 9.7 ± 4.1 h in 58 dogs. Blood smears were evaluated in 45 dogs, of which 28 (62%) showed echinocytosis. Anemia and acute kidney injury were found in 21 (29%) and 2 dogs (3%), respectively. A total of 37 dogs (53%) were hospitalized, 5 (7%) of which died. CONCLUSIONS The most significant finding was the high prevalence of echinocytosis. The data from this retrospective study could inform the management of dogs bitten by snakes in Korea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongseok Kim
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Seonghoon Kim
- Haemaru Referral Animal Hospital, Seongnam 13590, Korea
| | - Jin-Kyung Kim
- Haemaru Referral Animal Hospital, Seongnam 13590, Korea
| | | | - Geonho Choi
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Seulgi Bae
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Young-Sam Kwon
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Min Jang
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mitra S, Sultana SA, Prova SR, Uddin TM, Islam F, Das R, Nainu F, Sartini S, Chidambaram K, Alhumaydhi FA, Emran TB, Simal-Gandara J. Investigating forthcoming strategies to tackle deadly superbugs: current status and future vision. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2022; 20:1309-1332. [PMID: 36069241 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2122442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Superbugs are microorganisms that cause disease and have increased resistance to the treatments typically used against infections. Recently, antibiotic resistance development has been more rapid than the pace at which antibiotics are manufactured, leading to refractory infections of pathogenic bacteria. Scientists are concerned that a particularly virulent and lethal "superbug" will one day join the ranks of existing bacteria that cause incurable diseases, resulting in a global health disaster on the scale of the Black Death. AREAS COVERED Therefore, this study highlights the current developments in the management of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and recommends strategies for further regulating antibiotic-resistant microorganisms associated with the healthcare system. This review also addresses the origins, prevalence, and pathogenicity of superbugs, and the design of antibacterial against these growing multidrug-resistant organisms from a medical perspective. EXPERT OPINION It is recommended that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) should be addressed by limiting human-to-human transmission of resistant strains, lowering the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and developing novel antimicrobials. Using the risk-factor domains framework from this study would assure that not only clinical but also community and hospital-specific factors are covered, lowering the chance of confounders. Extensive subjective research is necessary to fully understand the underlying factors and uncover previously unexplored areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Sifat Ara Sultana
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Shajuthi Rahman Prova
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Tanvir Mahtab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Fahadul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Rajib Das
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Firzan Nainu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi 90245, Indonesia
| | - Sartini Sartini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Kumarappan Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad A Alhumaydhi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 52571, Saudi Arabia
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh.,Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo - Ourense Campus, E32004 Ourense, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Masri A, Berg KJ, Paul-Murphy J, Guzman DSM. Crotalid Polyvalent F(ab)2 Antivenom Treatment in a Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). J Avian Med Surg 2022; 36:63-69. [DOI: 10.1647/21-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
7
|
Hitchhiking with Nature: Snake Venom Peptides to Fight Cancer and Superbugs. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040255. [PMID: 32326531 PMCID: PMC7232197 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract For decades, natural products in general and snake venoms (SV) in particular have been a rich source of bioactive compounds for drug discovery, and they remain a promising substrate for therapeutic development. Currently, a handful of SV-based drugs for diagnosis and treatment of various cardiovascular disorders and blood abnormalities are on the market. Likewise, far more SV compounds and their mimetics are under investigation today for diverse therapeutic applications, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and cancer. In this review, we analyze the state of the art regarding SV-derived compounds with therapeutic potential, focusing on the development of antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. Specifically, information about SV peptides experimentally validated or predicted to act as antimicrobial and anticancer peptides (AMPs and ACPs, respectively) has been collected and analyzed. Their principal activities both in vitro and in vivo, structures, mechanisms of action, and attempts at sequence optimization are discussed in order to highlight their potential as drug leads. Key Contribution This review describes the state of the art in snake venom-derived peptides and their therapeutic applications. This work reinforces the potential of snake venom components as therapeutic agents, particularly in the quest for new antimicrobial and anticancer drugs.
Collapse
|
8
|
THE FIRST REPORT OF A CROTALID ENVENOMATION IN A DOMESTICATED FERRET ( MUSTELA FURO) AND SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT WITH A NOVEL F(AB')2 ANTIVENOM. J Zoo Wildl Med 2018; 49:497-500. [PMID: 29900771 DOI: 10.1638/2017-0141.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A case report of a domesticated ferret ( Mustela furo) envenomated by a presumptive rattlesnake ( Crotalus sp.) treated successfully and safely with the novel Fab (2') North American Snake Antivenom (Veteria Labs). The ferret presented with clinical signs of depressed mentation and facial edema following a rattlesnake ( Crotalus sp.) bite. It developed hypotension, thrombocytopenia, and ecchymosis following the envenomation. It was treated with Fab (2') antivenom and given supportive care including crystalloid fluids and analgesia to resolution of clinical signs. This is the first documented case of rattlesnake envenomation in this species. This case supports the efficacy and short-term safety of this Fab (2') antivenom in this species without the use of antihistamines or glucocorticoids. This report also addresses the current standards of care with thorough review of the literature involving rattlesnake envenomation in zoological species.
Collapse
|