Clinicoepidemiological profile of snake bite cases in a tertiary care center from Coastal Karnataka

Snakebite envenomation is a significant public health problem in tropical countries such as India, where agricultural activities increase human-snake encounters. Globally, WHO reports 5.4million bites annually with 81,000-138000 deaths, with India bearing 58,000 fatalities annually, mostly in rural areas. Serious complications such as coagulopathy, acute kidney injury, and shock. Study was carried out to understand the profile of snake bite in Mangalore.

This retrospective study was conducted at tertiary care center after obtaining the Institutional Ethic Committee approval (IEC KMC MLR 06/2024/447). Snakebite victims presenting during January 2019 to December 2023 were included during the data collection period of January to June 2025. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29 and represented using tables and figures.

Details of 457 snake bite victims were collected, males comprised 75.5% of cases, lowest in 2020 (11.4%), with the peak in rainy season (53.8%). Of 357 complete records 40.6% were dry bites and 59.4% were venomous. Among 190 envenomated patients (from the 357), local symptoms dominated (57.4%), followed by combined and systemic. Mortality was 3.7% (7 deaths), hospitalization averaged 5 days (IQR 3-7), and anti-snake venom use was 10 vials.

Snakebite predominantly affected males and occurred during the rainy season, with more than half of the bites resulting in envenomation. Local manifestations were the most common presentation, and management often required hospitalization and administration of ASV, with laboratory findings indicating coagulation abnormalities and occasional renal involvement. Overall mortality remained low, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and prompt management.