Citation

Cañas CA, Castro-Herrera F, Castaño-Valencia S. J. Venom Anim. Toxins Incl. Trop. Dis. 2017; 23: 9.

Affiliation

0000 0001 2295 7397grid.8271.cDepartment of Physiological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Universidade Estadual Paulista. Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos)

DOI

10.1186/s40409-017-0100-4

PMID

28228775

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although the red-tailed coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) is widely distributed in Colombia and its venom is highly neurotoxic and life threatening, envenomation by this species is rare. Therefore, this report may shed some light on the clinical presentation of M. mipartitus bites. CASE PRESENTATIONS: Herein, we describe two cases of patients bitten by red-tailed coral snakes, illustrating the clinical presentation of the victims, the outcomes and treatment provided.

CONCLUSION: Envenomation caused by M. mipartitus provokes predicable neurotoxicity, and its treatment should be based on respiratory support and use of specific antivenom.

Language: en

Keywords

Colombia; Micrurus mipartitus; Red-tailed coral snake; snake envenomation