Envenomation by an opisthoglyphous snake, Erythrolamprus aesculapii (Dipsadidae), in southeastern Brazil

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2019 May 30:52:e20190055. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0055-2019.

Abstract

Snakebites by aglyphous or opisthoglyphous snakes are common in Brazil. We report a case of snakebite by the opisthoglyphous Erythrolamprus aesculapii. The victim presented with pain, edema, and bleeding at the bite site, along with erythema, similar to a Bothrops envenomation. In this type of snakebite, if the snake is not brought to the hospital, the victim may receive unnecessary serum therapy, with the risk of adverse reactions to the antivenom. The possibility of reducing after-effects with anti-inflammatory drugs and early antibiotic therapy for secondary infection need to be further investigated, preferably in multicenter studies, while observing good clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Occupational
  • Animals
  • Betamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Brazil
  • Colubridae*
  • Hand Injuries / drug therapy
  • Hand Injuries / etiology*
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Snake Bites / complications*
  • Snake Bites / drug therapy
  • Snake Venoms / poisoning*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Snake Venoms
  • Betamethasone