First record of Thaumasia Perty, 1833 nursery web spider (Araneae: Pisauridae) preying upon Polistes canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in the Neotropical region

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  First record of Thaumasia Perty, 1833 nursery web spider (Araneae: Pisauridae) preying upon Polistes canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in the Neotropical region Abstract Thaumasia Perty, 1833 are opportunistic spiders that inhabit the Neotropical region. This study reports a spider of the genus Thaumasia preying upon Polistes canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758) in semiarid region of Brazil. A spider of the genus Thaumasia was observed moving rapidly from the fountain's water surface to capture an individual of P. canadensis . After successfully capturing the wasp, Thaumasia sp. was observed partially perched on the wall of the fountain, with the prey still on the water surface and trapped by its chelicerae. The pedipalps and chelicerae of Thaumasia sp. manipulated the head of P. canadensis , which stopped moving shortly after being captured, probably because of the action of the spider's venom. The study records a wasp in the diet of Thaumasia based on the ca...

Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges into snakebite-induced thrombotic microangiopathy: a case report and review of the literature

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Image Credit: Luis A. Roque, Aracnido Taxonomy

Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges into snakebite-induced thrombotic microangiopathy: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background

Snakebite envenomation is a significant global health issue, with India accounting for a substantial number of cases, particularly in rural areas. Venom-induced consumption coagulopathy is a common complication; however, thrombotic microangiopathy remains rare and not well understood. Thrombotic microangiopathy is characterized by microvascular thrombosis, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and organ dysfunction. Understanding the pathophysiological differences in snakebite-induced thrombotic microangiopathy is critical for optimizing treatment and outcomes.

Case presentation

We report a case of snakebite-induced thrombotic microangiopathy in a 22-year-old male individual from eastern India who presented with severe thrombocytopenia, acute kidney injury, and neurological deficits. Laboratory investigations revealed schistocytes, elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, and a PLASMIC score of 6, suggesting thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura as a subtype of thrombotic microangiopathy. The patient was treated with plasma exchange therapy and supportive measures, including hemodialysis. Initial neurological deterioration, compounded by cerebral edema, necessitated mechanical ventilation. Over time, the patient’s condition improved, and he was discharged on day 42 with recommendations for regular nephrology follow-up.

Conclusion

Snakebite-induced thrombotic microangiopathy may differ from classical thrombocytopenic purpura, potentially involving venom-mediated Von Willebrand factor activation without severe ADAMTS13 deficiency. The use of platelet transfusions before referral may have worsened microthrombus formation and neurological symptoms. This case underscores the need for early recognition of thrombotic microangiopathy in patients who experienced snakebite presenting with thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, even with normal coagulation parameters. Further research is essential to refine diagnostic and management strategies, including cautious platelet transfusion use, to improve outcomes in such complex cases.

Panda, S., Majhi, K., Biswas, T. et al. Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges into snakebite-induced thrombotic microangiopathy: a case report and review of the literature. J Med Case Reports (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05804-z