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Related Experiment Videos

Wound infection secondary to snakebite.

M Wagener1, M Naidoo, C Aldous

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. mark.wagener2@gmail.com.

South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|April 12, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Snakebites in children often lead to bacterial wound infections, primarily caused by Enterobacteriaceae and enterococci. Prompt surgical debridement and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing these severe outcomes.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Snakebites pose significant risks, causing severe local and systemic septic complications, leading to morbidity and mortality.
  • Secondary bacterial wound infections are a common and serious complication of snakebite envenomation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the specific bacteria causing wound infections after snakebites.
  • To assess the prevalence and characteristics of bacterial infections in snakebite patients.
  • To quantify the disease burden associated with snakebite-induced infections.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective audit was conducted at Ngwelezane Hospital, South Africa.
  • Surgical debridement records for extensive skin and soft-tissue necrosis were analyzed.

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  • Tissue samples were collected during debridement for bacteriological analysis.

    • Main Results:

    • Children (≤15 years) were the most affected group (73.7%).
    • Enterobacteriaceae (83.3%), particularly Morganella morganii and Proteus species, were the most common pathogens.
    • Enterococcus faecalis was also frequently identified (31.0%).
    • High antibiotic sensitivity was observed for Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and amikacin.
    • Enterococcus faecalis showed high sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin-based treatments.

    Conclusions:

    • Children are highly vulnerable to severe snakebite complications, including bacterial infections.
    • Bacterial infections, predominantly Enterobacteriaceae and enterococci, are common post-snakebite.
    • Surgical debridement remains the primary treatment, with antibiotics playing a supportive role.
    • A well-defined antibiotic policy is recommended for managing snakebite-related infections.