[Black widow spider bite in the Negev]

In the 4 years, 1985-88, 9 adults bitten by black widow spiders (Latrodectus inactopus) were hospitalized. The syndrome of lactrodectism, not as yet described from the Negev, was mainly characterized in these patients by restlessness, profuse perspiration, severe abdominal pain and rigidity, and muscular twitching. In addition, in 2 cases there was gastrointestinal involvement, with ileus and gastric dilatation. These unique findings, not as yet reported, may be attributed to the particular type of a venom of the black widow spider in the Negev. All victims recovered with symptomatic treatment.