Bacteriology of snakebite abscess.

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Infectious Diseases
• Herpetology

Background:

• Pit viper envenomation is a significant medical concern.
• Infectious complications, such as abscesses, can arise following snakebites.
• Understanding the microbial flora involved is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cases of abscesses secondary to pit viper envenomation.
• To identify the causative organisms in these abscesses.
• To correlate clinical findings with bacteriologic data and recommend treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 38 cases of pit viper envenomation.
• Analysis of abscess formation incidence.
• Aerobic and anaerobic culture of abscess isolates.
• Correlation of clinical and laboratory findings with snake oral flora.

Main Results:

• Abscess formation occurred in 9% of reviewed cases.
• Enteric, coliform organisms were prevalent in 22 of 25 isolates from unopened abscesses.
• Clinical evidence suggested co-existent anaerobic infections.
• No cases of tetanus were reported.

Conclusions:

• Pit viper envenomation carries a risk of abscess formation, primarily due to enteric bacteria.
• Prophylactic and therapeutic use of antibiotics targeting aerobic coliforms and anaerobic organisms is recommended.
• Further investigation into the bacteriologic flora of pit vipers supports these recommendations.