Envenomation by an arachnid (Latrodectus or Steatoda): Case report involving a woman and her female dog

Julián Felipe Porras-Villamil,Ángela Catalina Hinestroza-Ruiz,Mario Javier Olivera,Gabriela Andrea López-Moreno

doi:10.15446/cr.v6n1.79718

Julián Felipe Porras-Villamil, Ángela Catalina Hinestroza-Ruiz + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.15446/cr.v6n1.79718

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Abstract

Introduction: Accidents involving spiders bites usually cause mild medical reactions that lead to local symptoms and, less commonly, systemic effects. The most medically significant spiders belong to the genera Latrodectus and Loxosceles. This paper presents a posible case of steatodism in a young woman and her pet.Case description: 26-year-old female patient, who reports a clinical history characterized by paresthesia, malaise, fever, diarrea and a painful papule in the left cheek after being bitten by a spider. Immediately after being bit, the patient hit the spider with the back of her hand and it fell to the ground, where her dog swallowed it. The dog presented with vomiting and general discomfort after ingestion. Symptomatic therapy was given for comfort, and neither the patient nor the dog required antivenin therapy. Both evolved favorably.Discussion: The relevance of this case is the involvement of two mammals (a human and her dog) due to the accidental contact with a spider, possibly of the genus Latrodectus or Steatoda.Conclusion: Two possible cases of steatodism are described. Since spider bites are a relatively frequent reason for medical consultation in Colombia, it is important to diagnose and manage them properly.

Highlights

Accidents involving spiders bites usually cause mild medical reactions that lead to local symptoms and, less commonly, systemic effects
This paper presents a possible case of steatodism in a young woman and her pet
The relevance of this case is the involvement of two mammals due to the accidental contact with a spider, possibly of the genus Latrodectus or Steatoda

Summary

Introduction

Accidents involving spiders bites usually cause mild medical reactions that lead to local symptoms and, less commonly, systemic effects. The most medically significant spiders belong to the genera Latrodectus and Loxosceles. Los accidentes producidos por arañas suelen ser eventos médicos poco severos. Las arañas más importantes desde el punto de vista médico pertenecen a los géneros Latrodectus y Loxosceles. Case description: 26-year-old female patient, who reports a clinical history characterized by paresthesia, malaise, fever, diarrhea and a painful papule in the left cheek after being bitten by a spider. After being bit, the patient hit the spider with the back of her hand and it fell to the ground, where her dog swallowed it. The dog presented with vomiting and general discomfort after ingestion. Symptomatic therapy was given for comfort, and neither the patient nor the dog required antivenin therapy.

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