Envenenamiento ofídico en Costa Rica: logros y tareas pendientes / Snakebite envenoming in Costa Rica: achievements and pending tasks

Resumen Objetivo: Efectuar un análisis de los logros en Costa Rica en cuanto al problema de los envenenamientos por mordeduras de serpientes, y señalar tareas pendientes para reducir aún más el impacto de esta patología. Metodología: Se efectuó una revisión de bibliografía relacionada con el estudio del envenenamiento ofídico en Costa Rica y con los avances efectuados en el tema, en el país. Paralelamente, se identificaron aspectos que requieren atención en el manejo de esta enfermedad tropical desatendida. Conclusiones: Desde las primeras décadas del siglo XX, se han realizado avances significativos en la comprensión y manejo del problema de los envenenamientos por mordedura de serpiente en Costa Rica. Se ha trabajado desde una visión integral que incluye: investigación científico-tecnológica, producción y distribución de antivenenos, esfuerzos en prevención, capacitación de las personas profesionales de la salud en el diagnóstico y tratamiento, y docencia de grado y posgrado en el tema. El país ha asumido un papel de liderazgo a nivel internacional, tanto en el plano académico como en la provisión de antivenenos a muchos países. No obstante, aún quedan aspectos del problema que requieren nuevos esfuerzos en nuestro medio, sobre todo en lo referente a la atención de las consecuencias biomédicas, psicológicas, sociales y económicas que sufren las personas afectadas.

Abstract Aim: To analyze the achievements made in Costa Rica in confronting the problem of snakebite envenomings, and to identify pending tasks to further reduce the impact of this pathology. Methods: A review of the literature on snakebite envenomings in Costa Rica was carried out, identifying the main achievements reached in the country. In parallel, issues that require renewed attention in the management of this neglected tropical disease were identified. Conclusions: Since the first decades of the 20th century, significant advances have been made in Costa Rica for understanding and confronting the problem of snakebite envenomings. An integrative perspective has been implemented, which includes scientific and technological research, production and distribution of antivenoms, prevention campaigns, training of health professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of envenomings, and teaching at graduate and undergraduate levels. Costa Rica has had a leading international role in this topic at the academic level, and by providing antivenoms to many countries. Nevertheless, there are issues that require further efforts, especially regarding the attention to the biomedical, psychological, social and economic consequences suffered by people affected by snakebites.

Non-venomous snakebites in the Western Brazilian Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In this study, we examined the clinical manifestations, laboratory evidence, and the circumstances of snakebites caused by non-venomous snakes, which were treated at the Regional Hospital of Juruá in Cruzeiro do Sul. METHODS: Data were collected through patient interviews, identification of the species that were taken to the hospital, and the clinical manifestations. RESULTS: Eight confirmed and four probable cases of non-venomous snakebites were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms produced by the snakes Helicops angulatus and Philodryas viridissima, combined with their coloration can be confused with venomous snakes (Bothrops atrox and Bothrops bilineatus), thus resulting in incorrect bothropic snakebite diagnosis.

Investigaçao dos casos de acidentes ofídicos na populaçao pantaneira,no Passo do Lontra,MS agosto/1993 a julho /1994 / Investigation about snake bite cases in population of pantanal sul-mato-grossense,in Passo do Lontra-MS August/1993 to July/1994

A regiao Centro-Oeste apresenta os maiores índices de acidentes ofídicos no Brasil.Entretanto,pouco se sabe a esse respeito na regiao do Pantanal sul-mato-grossense.Esse estudo visou obter dados sobre esse assuntoutilizando-se de um inquerito epidemiologico.Os autores estudaram a frequência dos acidentes ofídicos nessa localidade,observando a prática de metodos de prevençao e tratamento para esse tipo de agravo.