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Extraction of Venom and Venom Gland Microdissections from Spiders for Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses
Published on: November 3, 2014
Anaphylaxis to black widow spider antivenom
Christopher O Hoyte1, Tracy A Cushing, Kennon J Heard
1Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health, Denver, CO 80204, USA. christopher.hoyte@rmpdc.org
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|June 7, 2011
Summary
Black widow spider antivenom is effective for latrodectism, but rare anaphylaxis can occur. This case highlights a severe reaction in a child treated with antivenom.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Black widow spider envenomation causes latrodectism, a syndrome of severe pain and systemic symptoms.
- Black widow spider antivenom is an effective treatment for severe envenomation.
- Anaphylaxis to this antivenom is exceptionally rare, with only one prior reported case.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy presented with severe pain after a black widow spider bite.
- Following antivenom administration, the patient developed anaphylaxis, including wheezing and urticaria.
- Standard anaphylaxis treatment resolved both the allergic reaction and envenomation symptoms.
Findings:
- This report details a second case of anaphylaxis following black widow spider antivenom administration.
- The patient experienced a severe hypersensitivity reaction despite the antivenom's established efficacy.
Implications:
- While rare, anaphylaxis is a potential risk associated with black widow spider antivenom.
- Prompt recognition and management of anaphylaxis are crucial in patients receiving antivenom.
- This case underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness for adverse reactions to antivenom therapy.
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