[An unusual mode of snake poisoning in Tunisia]

Snake poisoning constitutes a real public health problem in the North African countries. In Tunisia, snake poisonings are particularly frequent in the sub-Saharan regions (southern areas) with high mortality and possible debilitation in survivors. The most common mode of snake poisoning is biting, particularly on the extremities. The purpose of this report is to describe a case involving a patient who presented authentic systemic signs of a snake poisoning after ingesting a whole raw viper of the Cerastes cerastes species. Local signs as well as coagulation abnormalities often associated with bites by this kind of viper were not observed. The outcome was favorable after three days of hospitalization. Treatment consisted of symptomatic measures and administration of antivenom therapy.