A case of envenomation by the false fer-de-lance snake Leptodeira annulata (Linnaeus, 1758) in the department of La Guajira, Colombia

Abstract

Envenomations by colubrid snakes in Colombia are poorly known, consequently, the clinical relevance of these species in snakebite accidents has been historically underestimated. Herein, we report the first case of envenomation by opisthoglyphous snakes in Colombia occurred under fieldwork conditions at the municipality of Distracción, in the department of La Guajira. A female biologist was bitten on the index finger knuckle of her right hand when she tried to handle a false fer-de-lance snake (Leptodeira annulata). Ten minutes after the snakebite, the patient started to have symptoms of mild local envenomation such as edema, itching, and pain in the wound. After 40 minutes, the edema reached its maximum extension covering the dorsal surface of the right hand and causing complete loss of mobility. The clinical treatment focused on pain and swelling control. No laboratory tests were performed. The patient showed good progress with the total regression of the edema 120 hours after the snake-bite accident and complete recovery of the movement of the limb in one week. Venomous bites of “non-venomous snakes” (opisthoglyphous colubrid snakes) must be considered as a significant public health problem because patients lose their work capability during hours or even days and they are forced to seek medical assistance to treat the envenomation manifestations.