Necrotic Arachnidism in Germany due to Bite of a Dysderidae Spider Probably Imported from South Tyrol, Italy

Zink, Albert; Gebhardt, Mike; Engst, R; Ring, John

doi:10.2340/00015555-3403

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 7 publications

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“…Another exemplary case of unverified diagnosis is that reported by Zink et al [27], who ascribed two necrotic skin lesions to a Dysdera sp. bite (a spider genus not considered of medical significance) solely on the finding of a dead specimen in the patient's house more than two weeks after the onset of the symptoms and despite the detection on the ulcers of abundant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, of which spiders are not known carriers.…”

Section: Misdiagnosismentioning

confidence: 99%

Spider bites of medical significance in the Mediterranean area: misdiagnosis, clinical features and management

Fusto

Bennardo

Duca

et al. 2020

J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis

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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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Section: Misdiagnosismentioning

confidence: 99%