Snakebites in Cameroon by Species Whose Effects Are Poorly Described.

Area of Science:

• Clinical toxicology
• Herpetology
• Tropical medicine

Background:

• Snakebite envenomation is a significant health issue, particularly in regions where snake species are poorly identified.
• Lack of species identification hinders understanding of venom effects and development of targeted treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the frequency of different snake species involved in bites in Cameroon.
• To describe the clinical presentation and envenomation symptoms associated with formally identified snake species.
• To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a polyvalent antivenom in treating snakebite patients.

Main Methods:

• A prospective clinical study conducted in Cameroon from 2019-2021.
• Inclusion of 447 patients bitten by snakes, with efforts to identify the causative species.
• Standardized recording of clinical presentations during the first 3 days of hospitalization.

Main Results:

• 35.6% of patients (159/447) brought the snake for identification.
• The most frequently identified venomous species was *Echis romani* (formerly *E. ocellatus*), accounting for 95 cases.
• Other identified species included *Atheris squamigera*, *Atractaspis* spp., *Bitis arietans*, *Causus maculatus*, *Dendroaspis jamesoni*, and various *Naja* species.
• Clinical symptoms and envenomation severity were generally consistent with existing literature, with some unique features noted.

Conclusions:

• Species identification remains a challenge in snakebite cases in Cameroon.
• *Echis romani* is a significant contributor to snakebite envenomation in the region.
• The study provides valuable data on clinical presentations and supports the use of polyvalent antivenom, while highlighting the need for further research into specific venom effects.