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

• 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

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.