THERAPEUTIC MEASURES FOR THE ACCIDENTS FOR AQUATIC ANIMALS: LITTLE TO MAKE, GUILT OF WHO?

HADDAD JR, V (1,2)

(1) Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu – Universidade Estadual Paulista, Brazil; (2) Hospital Vital Brazil – Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brasil.

The injuries caused by venomous marine and freshwater fish are associated with local manifestations as edema, erythema and intense pain.  Systemic manifestations as cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory failure are rare in those accidents (they are observed in accidents caused by Scorpaenidae and stingrays). The envenomation for fish is not considered a priority by the Health Systems, as are those caused for snakes, spiders and scorpion bites. Anti-venom serum is produced only for a genus of Indo-Pacific fish (genus Synanceja, family Scorpaenidae), although some envenomations caused by Brazilian fish are known to cause serious consequences for victims. In Brazil, the only measures of treatment are pointed to the first aids of the victim. The use of immersion of the injured place in hot water is a good measure to control the pain, but do not intervenes with the necrotic effect of the venom.    

KEY WORDS: venomous animals, aquatic animals, venomous fish, cnidarians, injuries in humans.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT: none.

CORRESPONDENCE TO: Vidal Haddad Junior, Caixa Postal 557 - 18618-000 – Botucatu – SP – Brasil, Email: haddadjr@fmb.unesp.br