Necrosis and amputation following the bite of the Bibron's stiletto snake (Atractaspis bibronii) with a concise review of current literature
Author(s)
Pallett, Scott JC
Handford, Charles
Wong, Stephanie MY
West, Collin
Moore, Luke SP
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Atractaspis bibronii are highly specialised snakes found across Southern Africa. Adapted for subterranean hunting of prey, snakes of the genus Atractaspis demonstrate a unique biting mechanism, with an ability to deliver venom via a single fang, protruded over an almost closed mouth in a side-to-side striking pattern. It is not possible to handle these snakes safely. Atractaspididae can be mistaken for medically insignificant snakes and often occur in remote areas that may lead to delayed or reduced presentation to suitable care facilities. We here report a case of an A. bibronii envenomation in remote Southern Africa to the right ring finger from a single fang with significant complication. Medical, and subsequently, surgical management of a progression from discolouration at the bite site, to spreading oedema, blistering, local necrosis and secondary infection required amputation of the digit.
Date Issued
2022-01-01
Date Acceptance
2021-09-01
Citation
Tropical Doctor, 2022, 52 (1), pp.142-146
ISSN
0049-4755
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Start Page
142
End Page
146
Journal / Book Title
Tropical Doctor
Volume
52
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2021. The final, definitive version of this paper has been published in Pallett SJ, Handford C, Wong SM, West C, Moore LS. Necrosis and amputation following the bite of the Bibron’s stiletto snake (Atractaspis bibronii) with a concise review of current literature. Tropical Doctor. September 2021 by Sage Publications Ltd. All rights reserved. It is available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/00494755211039638
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000693385600001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Subjects
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tropical Medicine
Snakebite
Zambia
neglected tropical diseases
secondary infection
BURROWING ASP
ENVENOMATION
VENOM
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 00494755211039638
Date Publish Online
2021-09-07