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Envenomation in pregnancy by common krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
Haji Muhammad Aftab Alam1, Syed Badshah Hussain Zaidi2
1Department of General Medicine1 / Pulmonology2, Military Hospital, Mall Road, Rawalpindi.
Summary
A rare common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) bite in a 30-week pregnant woman caused a myasthenia-like syndrome. While the mother recovered, the pregnancy resulted in premature birth and fatal infant septicaemia.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Toxicology
- Herpetology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Snakebite envenoming in pregnancy is exceptionally rare, with limited literature.
- Bites from the common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) are a significant cause of neurotoxic envenoming.
Observation:
- A 30-week pregnant woman presented with a myasthenia-like syndrome following a common krait bite.
- The patient was from Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Findings:
- The envenomed pregnant patient received a specific treatment protocol.
- The mother achieved a full clinical recovery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the challenges in managing neurotoxic snakebite envenoming during pregnancy.
- Despite maternal recovery, adverse fetal outcomes, including premature birth and neonatal sepsis, can occur.
- Further research is needed on effective management strategies for snakebite in pregnant women.
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