Mediterranean black widow spider (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) poisoning in a metropolitan city in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: Black widow spider bites cause severe poisoning (latrodectism) with symptoms such as muscle spasm, rigidity, pain, vomiting, hypertension, and tachycardia. Although Latrodectus mactans (L. mactans) is the most well-known species to cause latrodectism, it has not been reported in Turkey. We report a poisoning case caused by Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (L. tredecimguttatus) spider a species known to be in Turkey for the first time in the literature. Case: A 35-year-old male patient presented with complaints of pain in the lower extremities and excessive sweating due to a spider bite. Discomfort, agitation, a sweaty appearance, tachycardia, and hypertensive attack were observed in the patient. Because black widow antivenom is not available in Turkey and because of the continuation of symptoms despite treatment for 12 hours in the emergency department, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he was given IV sedoanalgesia. Nicardipine infusion was administered to treat hypertension attack. The patient’s symptoms improved on the fifth day. The dead spider that was brought in was identified by an expert biologist as L. tredecimguttatus. Conclusion: It should be considered that latrodectism due to L. tredecimguttatus spider bite may be resistant to emergent treatment and hospitalization may be required.

Keywords

• black widow
• Latrodectus tredecimguttatus
• poisoning

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