Envenomation by the red-tailed coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) in Colombia

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 bite...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases
Main Authors: Carlos A. Cañas, Fernando Castro-Herrera, Santiago Castaño-Valencia
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: SciELO 2017
Subjects:
Red-tailed coral snake
Micrurus mipartitus
snake envenomation
Colombia
Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine
RC955-962
Toxicology. Poisons
RA1190-1270
Zoology
QL1-991
Arctic
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40409-017-0100-4
https://doaj.org/article/91e1005e374c4b4ab2ec7e4780c2902c
Description
Summary: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.

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