Citation

Norris RL, Pfalzgraf RR, Laing G. Toxicon 2009; 53(6): 693-697.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, Stanford University, 701 Welch Rd, Suite C, Palo Alto, CA 94304-5777, USA. bob.norris@stanford.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

19673084

Abstract

We report the first documented death due to a coral snake (Micrurus species) in the United States (U.S.) in over 40 years. The victim failed to seek medical care following the bite of an eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) and succumbed within hours. Post-mortem proof of envenomation was obtained using an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) developed specifically for this investigation. U.S. coral snakes are briefly reviewed in terms of their venom compositions, their clinical effects, and proper pre-hospital and hospital management. The clinical significance of the impending absence of commercially available antivenom for coral snake bites in the U.S. is highlighted.

Language: en