Abstract
Knowledge of spider bites in Central Europe derives mainly from anecdotal case presentations; therefore we aimed to collect cases systematically. From June 2011 to November 2012 we prospectively collected 17 cases of alleged spider bites, and together with two spontaneous notifications later on, our database totaled 19 cases. Among them, eight cases could be verified. The causative species were: Cheiracanthium punctorium (3), Zoropsis spinimana (2), Amaurobius ferox, Tegenaria atrica and Malthonica ferruginea (1 each). Clinical presentation was generally mild, with the exception of Cheiracanthium punctorium, and patients recovered fully without sequelae. In Switzerland, spider bites generally have a benign clinical course, which is characterised by minor effects, with rapid and complete recovery. Since only verified spider bites can be regarded as spider bites, in the case of clinically important arachnidism, the spider should be sent to an expert for identification. Our study may help to diminish spider fear and reassure people who have experienced a bite.
Highlights
Since only verified spider bites can be regarded as spider bites, in the case of clinically important arachnidism, the spider should be sent to an expert for identification
In Switzerland, the number of spider species theoretically able to bite humans amounts to a few dozen among the nearly 1,000 species found in this country [1]
Among the five species we present here, only one species, Cheiracanthium punctorium, may cause a clinically relevant and prolonged course
Summary
In Switzerland, the number of spider species theoretically able to bite humans amounts to a few dozen among the nearly 1,000 species found in this country [1]. There are no useful data for estimating the incidence of spider bites in Switzerland or for providing helpful information about their clinical course. This information is lacking for other central European countries. Between 2000 and 2010, the Swiss Toxicological Information Centre (STIC) received approximately 30 enquiries per year for acute spider bites, with a peak in the summer season with approximately 5–6 enquiries per month. This compares to about 90 annual enquiries for hymenopteran stings. Since only scattered information on spider bites has appeared [3, 4] so this situation prompted us to collect cases systematically for Switzerland
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