Envenoming by coral snakes (Micrurus) in Argentina, during the period between 1979-2003

Abstract

SUMMARYEnvenomation by coral snakes (Micrurus sp.) is one of the most dangerous injuries in America and it is considered as a serious medical emergency, however bites by these snakes appear to be rare. We analyzed epidemiological data, clinical signs and antivenom use in Argentina during the period between . During this period of study 46 non-fatal Micrurus bites were reported. The majority of cases were men from 31 to 40 years old. Bites occurred primarily in spring and summer. Most cases were reported from the northeast and northwest provinces of the country. The bites were mostly located on hands or feet and occurred mostly during agricultural activities and so mainly involved farmers. Only four cases occurred as a result of handling snakes. The median time it took for antivenom to be administrated was 60 minutes after the bite, and the median number of vials applied was 2. Local pain was mentioned and edema was reported in 41% of patients. All patients recovered without sequelae. This study showed a low incidence of Micrurus bites and low severity of envenomation. However, although no deaths have been reported during the last 30 years, given the toxicity of the venom of Micrurus snakes, the risk of severe envenomation should be considered.

The epidemiology of snakebite in the Rio Grande do Norte State, Northeastern Brazil

“…This elevated incidence may be the result of the lack of protective equipment, especially in regions where there is no use of machinery in agricultural activities 14 . In many studies undertaken in Brazil 26 , 46 , and in the world 47 - 49 , it was reported that above all snakebites affected the extremities of the limbs.…”

Venom of the Coral Snake Micrurus clarki: Proteomic Profile, Toxicity, Immunological Cross-Neutralization, and Characterization of a Three-Finger Toxin

“…Coral snakes ( Elapidae ) comprise some 71 species that are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the New World, from Southeastern USA to Central Argentina [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Envenomings by these snakes are far less frequent than those inflicted by viperids, but are of medical concern [ 4 , 5 ].…”

Mordedura por víbora de coral (Micrurus altirostris): primer caso en Uruguay

“…Las manifestaciones locales suelen ser muy leves, observándose una o dos punturas, o incluso ninguna, refiriéndose dolor local de intensidad variable, con progresión proximal (2,9,11) . Los elementos neurológicos locales como parestesias se presentan en menos de la mitad de los casos (2,9,11,12) . En este caso se evidenció una única puntura, dolor y edema leve sin equi-mosis, ni hemorragias o manifestaciones neurológicas locales.…”