background: in order to describe the patients and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for widow spider envenomation, investigators require a reliable assessment tool. in this paper, the development of a clinical index for measuring the widow spider bite severity, latrodectus envenomation severity score (less), is described. methods: according to the valid methods for index development, a d...

In the United States, Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of skin and soft tissue infections. Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is resistant to ßlactam antibiotics, including penicillinase-resistant penicillins (methicillin, oxacillin, nafcillin) and cephalosporins, and has long been a recognized pathogen among hospitalized patients and persons with certain healthcare...

These two cases illustrate many classical features of latrodectism. A subclinical bite followed by extensive systemic signs and symptoms in a recognizable pattern is strongly suggestive of the diagnosis. Pain and muscle spasms are refractory to standard therapy but are relieved by intravenous calcium. Finally, there should be complete resolution of the symptoms after only one vial of antivenin ...

1. Australia Bureau of Statistics. National Health Survey, 1995. Canberra: ABS, 1995. 2. Segal L, Day S, Chapman A, et al. Priority setting in osteoarthritis — report to the Population Health Division, Department of Health and Ageing. Melbourne: Monash University Health Economics Unit, 2002. 3. Edelson R, Burks RT, Bloebaum RD. Short-term effects of knee washout for osteoarthritis. Am J Sports ...

The envenomation syndrome of Redback spider bites, lactrodectism, is distinctive. However diagnosis can be difficult due to an atypical presentation. We describe the case of a 1 year old boy with irritability, diaphoresis and reduced oral intake, in whom a diagnosis was made of redback spider bite. Successful resolution of symptoms was achieved following treatment with antivenom. The symptoms a...

This article is a case study of a patient cared for in the hours before her death. After the patient's death, we learned the patient died of a black widow spider bite. This article sheds light on the potential seriousness of this venom and allows for more rapid detection and treatment of those who are unfortunate enough to be bitten. The authors have documented the sequence of events for the pa...

Our goal was to recreate a passive hemagglutination inhibition (PHAI) test to diagnose brown recluse spider (BRS; Loxosceles reclusa) bite envenomation for treatment trials. Guinea pigs received intradermal injections of concentrated spider venom from the following species: Loxosceles reclusa, Argiope aurantia, Argiope trifasciata, Phidippus audax, and Lycosa frondicola. Skin lesion exudate was...

The true danger of the spider bite stems from misdiagnosis and resultant delay in proper treatment of entities that, unlike spider bites, are not self-limited. Obtaining a complete exposure and travel history is central to the development of an accurate and appropriate differential diagnosis.

BACKGROUND The Loxosceles reclusa, commonly known as the brown recluse spider, is responsible for virtually all cases of spider bites leading to a significant necrosis. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 72-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department complaining of back pain, weakness, and diarrhea. The patient stated that he sustained a bug bite 1 week before presenting to the ho...