[Analysis of snake bite envenomations in Gabon]

In tropical zones, snakebites are considered serious. Exotic snakes are characterised by the poisonousness of their venom and its abundance. Death is rapid in some cases and in others the sequelae are serious. Worldwide, there are more than 5 million victims per year, with 50,000 deaths registered and 400,000 amputations. The frequency and severity of snakebites in Gabon remain unknown. It is estimated that there is an average of one snakebite every 4 days, thus some 91 snakebites per year. Through a study carried out at the Libreville Hospital, we evaluated the frequency, severity, and fatality of this circumstantial pathology. A retrospective study conducted on 157 patients admitted for snakebite at the Intensive Care Unit of the Libreville Hospital was carried out between 1998 and 2001. 1.32% of all admissions were for snakebites. Signs of venom poisoning were observed in 27 patients (17%), versus 130 cases without envenomation. The majority of cases were in adults (78%) and children affected (22%) were aged mainly 6-14 years. The snakebite season usually coincided with the rainy season. During this period, 19 cases were registered. Snakebites occurred during the daytime (93%), in the fields in 20 cases (75%) or in the home courtyard (25%). The victims lived in town in 25 cases (93%). Antivenom was used in all envenomation cases, and the result was favourable in 23 cases (18%) but unfavourable in 4 (15%).