Envenomation by Micrurus coral snakes in the Brazilian Amazon region: report of two cases

Authors

  • Pedro Pereira de Oliveira Pardal Universidade Federal do Pará
  • Joseana Silva de Oliveira Pardal Universidade Federal do Pará
  • Maria Apolônia da Costa Gadelha Universidade Federal do Pará
  • Líliam da Silva Rodrigues Universidade Federal do Pará
  • Darlan Tavares Feitosa Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi; Coordenação de Zoologia; Laboratório de Herpetologia
  • Ana Lúcia da Costa Prudente Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi; Coordenação de Zoologia; Laboratório de Herpetologia
  • Hui Wen Fan Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo; Instituto Butantan

Keywords:

Envenomation, Coral snakes, Micrurus surinamensis, M. filiformis, Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

Two cases of proven coral snake bites were reported in Belém, Pará State, Brazil. The first case was a severe one caused by Micrurus surinamensis. The patient required mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory failure. The second case showed just mild signs of envenomation caused by Micrurus filiformis. Both patients received specific Micrurus antivenom and were discharged without further complications. Coral snake bites are scarcely reported in the Amazon region and there is a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, varying from extremely mild to those which may rapidly lead to death if the patient is not treated as soon as possible.

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Published

2010-12-01

Issue

Vol. 52 No. 6 (2010)

Section

Case Reports

How to Cite

Pardal, P. P. de O., Pardal, J. S. de O., Gadelha, M. A. da C., Rodrigues, L. da S., Feitosa, D. T., Prudente, A. L. da C., & Fan, H. W. (2010). Envenomation by Micrurus coral snakes in the Brazilian Amazon region: report of two cases . Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De São Paulo, 52(6), 333-337. https://www.revistas.usp.br/rimtsp/article/view/31364