WIDOW SPIDER BITES

Epidemiology: Black widow spiders, recognized by a red hourglass marking on a shiny black ventral abdomen, are most abundant in the southeastern United States. Other Latrodectus species are present in other temperate and subtropical parts of the world.

Pathogenesis: Female widow spiders produce a potent neurotoxin that binds irreversibly to nerves and causes release and depletion of acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters from presynaptic terminals.

CLINICAL FEATURES: -

• Within 60 min, painful cramps spread from the bite site to large muscles of the extremities and trunk.
• Extreme abdominal muscular rigidity and pain may mimic peritonitis, but the abdomen is nontender.
• Other features are similar to that of acetylcholine overdose (e.g., excessive salivation, lacrimation, urination, and defecation; GI upset; and emesis).
• Although pain may subside within the first 12 h, it can recur for weeks.
• Respiratory arrest, cerebral hemorrhage, or cardiac failure may occur.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT: -

• Aconitum
• Urtica urens
• Histaminum
• Cantharis.