Documented bites by a yellow sac spider (Cheiracanthium punctorium) in Italy: a case report

Papini R (1)

(1) Department of Animal Pathology, Prophylaxis and Food Hygiene, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

Abstract: In Italy reports of human envenomations by yellow sac spiders have been sporadic. Since increasing clinical information would improve understanding of the danger of yellow sac spiders to humans, we report the case of a 7-year-old child and her father bitten by a documented Cheiracanthium punctorium. They developed acute persistent pain with local skin signs and numbness, and required emergency treatment. The father recovered completely within 1 to 2 hours and the child within 3 to 4 days after treatment, probably as a result of spontaneous evolution. Clinicians should be aware of the risks and immediate management of spider bites.

Key words: spiders, arachnidism, Italy.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author wishes to thank the anonymous reviewers for carefully reviewing the manuscript and improving its quality with their comments and suggestions.

COPYRIGHT

© CEVAP 2012

SUBMISSION STATUS

Received: March 16, 2012.

Accepted: May 28, 2012.

Abstract published online: June 4, 2012.

Full paper published online: August 31, 2012.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The author declares no conflicts of interest.

CONSENT

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and the accompanying images.

CORRESPONDENCE TO

Roberto Papini, Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Profilassi e Igiene degli Alimenti, Università di Pisa, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italia. Phone: +39 050 2216948. Fax: +39 050 2216941. Mobile: +39 347 8712812. Email: rpapini@vet.unipi.it.