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Snakebites in Jordan: A clinical and epidemiological study
Mohammad A Abu Baker1, Mohammad Al-Saraireh2, Zuhair Amr3
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
Summary
Jordanian snakebite cases reveal Echis coloratus as a primary threat, causing severe symptoms like coagulopathy and acute kidney injury. The available antivenom proved ineffective, highlighting an urgent need for region-specific treatments.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Toxicology
- Epidemiology
- Herpetology
Background:
- Snakebite envenoming is a significant public health concern in Jordan.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of snakebites is crucial for effective management.
- The efficacy of current antivenoms against local snake species is often questionable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiological features of snakebite cases in Jordan.
- To detail the clinical symptoms associated with envenoming by different snake species in the region.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the currently available antivenom.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 121 snakebite cases admitted to 24 hospitals in Jordan from 2018-2020.
- Collection of data on patient demographics, snake species identification (when possible), bite location, clinical symptoms, and hospitalization duration.
- Review of clinical outcomes and antivenom efficacy.
Main Results:
- Echis coloratus was the most frequent cause of snakebites (68 cases) and fatalities (6 cases).
- Bites were most common on hands and legs, predominantly affecting males and farmers, with a peak incidence in September.
- Common symptoms included local swelling, necrosis, coagulopathy, bleeding, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury; the available Indian antivenom was ineffective against Jordanian Viperidae envenoming.
Conclusions:
- Echis coloratus and Daboia palaestinae are significant venomous snakes in Jordan, causing severe systemic and local effects.
- The current antivenom used in Jordan is ineffective for treating envenomings by local Viperidae species.
- There is an urgent need for the development and availability of effective, region-specific antivenoms in Jordan.
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