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. Informed consent was obtained from both participants. 
Vrenozi, B., & Dugon, M. Letter: Description of Two Cases of Spider Bites Attributed to Loxosceles rufescens (Araneae, Sicariidae) in Albania. Dermatitis®. https://doi.org/10.1177_17103568261444624