Citation

Banks J, Sirvid P, Vink C. N. Zeal. Med. J. 2004; 117(1188): U748.

Affiliation

Clinical Pharmacology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand. jbanks@life.uiuc.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, New Zealand Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

14999307

Abstract

AIM: To investigate if public concern regarding the toxic effects of the bites from white-tailed spiders, Lampona cylindrata and L. murina, is reflected in the case histories of patients admitted to Christchurch Hospital with a diagnosis of spider bite. METHODS: The case histories of patients admitted to Christchurch Hospital with a diagnosis of 'contact with venomous spiders' were examined for evidence that the patients developed necrotising arachnidism. RESULTS: Ten patients were admitted to Christchurch Hospital between January 2001 and January 2003 with a diagnosis of 'contact with venomous spiders'. We found no evidence that patients developed necrotising arachnidism. No patients admitted to Christchurch Hospital required re-admission to treat sequelae of the putative spider bite. Support for a spider bite as the causative agent was not robust and alternative agents could have been the cause. CONCLUSIONS: The public's fear of bites from white-tailed spiders is likely misplaced and, if the spider was not caught in the act of biting the patient, alternative diagnoses should be considered before assuming a white-tailed spider was responsible for the patient's symptoms.

Language: en