Abstract
BackgroundCeylon krait (Bungarus ceylonicus) is a venomous elapid snake endemic to Sri Lanka. It inhabits shaded home gardens and forests in the wet zone of Sri Lanka and might creep into houses in the night. Despite frequent encounters with humans, reports of envenoming are very rare.Case presentationWe report a case of a 26-year-old Sri Lankan Sinhalese man with confirmed Ceylon krait envenoming presenting with bilateral partial ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, facial muscle weakness, and dysphagia. Single fiber electromyography and repetitive nerve stimulation confirmed neuromuscular paralysis. He was administered polyvalent anti-venom serum immediately following admission without a prompt clinical response. Complete recovery was observed 3 days following the bite.ConclusionsBecause of the rarity of envenoming, precise and detailed information on the clinical manifestations following envenoming is lacking. However, Ceylon krait bite can be potentially fatal; so, treating physicians should be aware of species identification, habitat, and biting habits and clinical presentation of envenoming of Ceylon krait. This case report adds knowledge to the existing limited literature available on Ceylon krait envenoming; a rare but potentially fatal clinical entity.
Highlights
ConclusionsBecause of the rarity of envenoming, precise and detailed information on the clinical manifestations following envenoming is lacking
Ceylon krait (Bungarus ceylonicus) is a venomous elapid snake endemic to Sri Lanka
Ceylon krait bite can be potentially fatal; so, treating physicians should be aware of species identification, habitat, and biting habits and clinical presentation of envenoming of Ceylon krait
Summary
Ceylon krait is an endemic elapid in Sri Lanka that frequents habitats near human dwellings of the hilly wet zone and frequently intrudes into houses in the night. Bites and cases of envenoming are extremely rare and limited to six cases in the last century. The Ceylon krait bite can be potentially fatal; so, treating physicians should be aware of species identification, habitat, and biting habits and clinical presentation of envenoming of Ceylon krait. This case report adds knowledge to the limited literature available on Ceylon krait envenoming; a rare but potentially fatal clinical entity. Ideal management of a Ceylon krait bite is still debated and remains an enigma; it needs to be decided on an individual basis depending on the clinical status of the patient and the safety and benefits of the available treatment
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
