Cases caused by spider bite in Tripoli, Libya

Abstract

Spiders Arachnida has a significant impact on the insect population due to their position as predators and their effect on the ecology. Although spiders contain venom glands, the majority of them do not bite humans or cause harm, with the exception of a few situations, and usually only when they are trapped, injured, or annoyed. Spider bites resulted in serious injuries. This recent study includes a review of verified instances of spider bites in two large dermatological facilities in Tripoli, Libya (Tripoli Central Hospital and Bair al-UstaMilad Hospital). Data from all patients with verified spider bites during the years 2014 and 2019 were gathered. The total cases were 251, with 152 female patients (60.6%) and 99 male patients (39.4%) in total. Age groups (20-29 years) are the most commonly affected by spider bites, followed by age groups (0-9 years). The affected patient's body portion was the lower part (thighs and legs) (n = 189, 75.3%), while one patient (0.4%) had a spider bite on the backside. Furthermore, this study depicts the geographical distribution of documented instances. The majority of patients (53%) were from Tripoli. However, the need for medical counsel and treatment compelled some patients from other places to go to the capital city. In general, western Tripoli has the lowest patient percentage incidence (5.5%). This research reveals that the incidence of spider bites is quite low in comparison to the Libyan population, which may be related to the country's very low registration of cases.