Letter: Description of Two Cases of Spider Bites Attributed to Loxosceles rufescens (Araneae, Sicariidae) in Albania

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  Letter: Description of Two Cases of Spider Bites Attributed to Loxosceles rufescens (Araneae, Sicariidae) in Albania Fewer than 0.5% of spider species are medically significant, with the genus  Loxosceles  responsible for most dermonecrotic envenomings. 1 , 2  In the Mediterranean,  Loxosceles rufescens  is the primary species associated with loxoscelism. 2  This synanthropic spider thrives in human dwellings, typically biting only when inadvertently provoked. 1 , 3 , 4  Its venom, containing sphingomyelinase D, triggers local inflammation and necrosis, 1 , 5  and rarer the acute localized exanthematous pustulosis. 6  Diagnosis is often challenged by initial painlessness, leading to frequent misidentification as bacterial infections. 2 , 4 , 5  These cases in Albania highlight the need for improved clinical recognition of regional spider-bite occurrences. 7 Two cases were retrospectively documented via interviews and photos. Infor...

Scorpion envenoming by Parabuthus is a public health concern in Namibia

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Scorpion envenoming by Parabuthus is a public health concern in Namibia

Abstract

Scorpion stings by members of the genus Parabuthus (Buthidae) can lead to life-threatening envenoming. Namibia harbours a rich diversity of scorpions, including seventeen species of the highly venomous genus Parabuthus, although the biology and medical relevance of most species are poorly documented. Severe envenoming is caused by at least P. granulatus, P. villosus, P. kraepelini and P. schlechteri, which are considered to be of particular importance. Data on epidemiology, venom composition and variation, and clinical effects remain scarce. A lack of effective antivenom and long distances to hospitals in rural areas complicate clinical management and compromise patient outcomes.