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Human envenomation from a wandering garter snake
H F Gomez1, M Davis, S Phillips
1Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver General Hospital, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Garter snake bites, though usually harmless, can cause local swelling and bleeding in humans. This case highlights potential confusion with pit viper envenomation due to prolonged effects.
Area of Science:
- Herpetology
- Toxicology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Garter snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans) bites are typically considered benign to humans.
- This report details a case of human envenomation by T. elegans vagrans, challenging the notion of innocuousness.
Observation:
- A patient bitten on the fingertip developed rapid local edema, ecchymosis, and hemorrhagic vesicles.
- No systemic signs or symptoms were observed following the bite.
- The clinical presentation mirrored previous Thamnophis envenomation cases, characterized by delayed symptom onset.
Findings:
- Thamnophis species possess Duvernoy's glands, functionally similar to venom glands in Crotalidae (pit vipers).
- Secretions from these glands can induce progressive local effects, including swelling and tissue damage.
- The observed symptoms in this case were consistent with mild envenomation.
Implications:
- The local effects of Wandering Garter snake bites may mimic early-stage pit viper envenomation.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid misclassification and ensure appropriate patient management.
- Further research into the composition and effects of Duvernoy's gland secretions in Thamnophis species is warranted.