First record of Megaselia abdita (Schmitz, 1959) (Diptera: Phoridae) infestation in captive tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae

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  First record of Megaselia abdita (Schmitz, 1959) (Diptera: Phoridae) infestation in captive tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae Abstract Flies of the genus Megaselia Rondani, 1856 exhibit exceptional ecological flexibility, with certain species acting as facultative parasites. This study presents the first documented cases of Megaselia abdita (Schmitz, 1959) infesting captive tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae, Ceratogyrus darlingi Pocock, 1897 and Psalmopoeus irminia Saager, 1994) in terrarium settings. Our observations demonstrate that M . abdita colonise artificial habitats and exploit spider hosts similarly to Megaselia scalaris . Citation: Szymański, D.M., Szymański, D., Kłonowski, P. (2026). First record of Megaselia abdita (Schmitz, 1959) (Diptera: Phoridae) infestation in captive tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae). Dipteron, 42, 25-29. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23137389

Compartment syndrome of upper limb following snake bite, a case report

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Compartment syndrome of upper limb following snake bite, a case report

Introduction: 

Snakebites, recognized as a neglected tropical disease by the WHO, cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. Although antivenom is the primary treatment, managing complications like compartment syndrome (CS) and soft tissue necrosis remains challenging. This case report describes a 39-year-old woman who developed CS following a green pit viper bite and subsequent antivenom administration, necessitating a fasciotomy.

Case: 

The patient sustained a bite to her right middle finger, receiving 10 vials of polyvalent anti-snake venom. The next day, she developed symptoms suggestive of CS, prompting an emergency fasciotomy. The procedure included volar and dorsal forearm releases, finger incisions, and compartment releases. She was discharged on day 20 with optimal hand function and instructed to continue physiotherapy.

Discussion: 

Snake venom contains toxic peptides and proteases that cause local and systemic effects, with severity influenced by venom quantity, bite location, and timely intervention. Upper extremity bites, particularly to the hand, are prone to CS due to the region’s vascularity and anatomy. Although CS after snakebites is rare, its symptoms can mimic local envenomation, requiring careful differentiation and urgent management to prevent permanent damage. Fasciotomy may be necessary if CS persists despite antivenom therapy, as demonstrated in our case.

Conclusion: 

Snakebites, particularly to the upper extremities, require careful monitoring for complications like CS. Timely diagnosis and fasciotomy are crucial to prevent limb loss and preserve function.



Bhattarai, Navin MSa; Dhakal, Prasesh MSa; Bhandari, Devendra MBBSb; Katwal, Srijana MBBSc,*; Bhandari, Shristi MBBSd; Shrestha, Shilu MSe. Compartment syndrome of upper limb following snake bite, a case report. Annals of Medicine & Surgery 87(9):p 6197-6200, September 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000003674