Livestock herding and Fulani ethnicity are a combined risk factor for development of early adverse reactions to antivenom treatment: Findings from a cross-sectional study in Nigeria

Background Adverse reactions to antivenom considerably complicate the clinical management of snakebite envenomed patients because it necessitates a temporary suspension life-saving antivenom, increases costs and can compromise patient outcomes. This study sought explore association between cattle-herding occupation ethnic group occurrence early adverse antivenom. Methods cross-sectional was conducted 25th April 11th July 2011 at Kaltungo General Hospital in north east Nigeria. The exposure variable showed strong correlation with variable, thus these were combined into new three categories (Fulani herder, either Fulani or neither nor herder). outcome reactions, defined as any symptoms occurring within 6 hours administration. Odds Ratios estimated using multivariable logistic regression models controlling for potential confounders. Results Among 231 victims, overall incidence 11.9% (95% confidence intervals: 8.0–16.9%). Patients who herders had higher compared (20% vs 5.7%). After adjusting age gender, victims 5.9 times more likely have an reaction, CI: 1.88–18.59; p = 0.002). Interpretation To best our knowledge, this is first provide evidence odds among from particular and/or group. We recommend that snake origin be especially closely monitored hospitals receiving appropriately resourced manage both envenoming premedication adrenaline should considered. Our findings argument speculation on influence immunological lifestyle-related differences