Envenomation by the red-tailed coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) in Colombia

• DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0100-4
• Publication Date: 2017-02-14T10:47:17Z
• Authors: Carlos A. Cañas; Fernando Castro-H...; Santiago Castaño-...
• Keywords: 0303 health sciences; RC955-962; Case Report; Colombia; Toxicology; Red-tailed coral snake; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Infectious Diseases; QL1-991; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RA1190-1270; Micrurus mipartitus; Toxicology. Poisons; Animal Science and Zoology; Parasitology; Zoology; snake envenomation

BACKGROUND: Although the red-tailed coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) is widely distributed in Colombia and its venom is highly neurotoxic and life threatening, envenomation by this species is rare. Therefore, this report may shed some light on the clinical presentation of M. mipartitus bites. CASE PRESENTATIONS: Herein, we describe two cases of patients bitten by red-tailed coral snakes, illustrating the clinical presentation of the victims, the outcomes and treatment provided. CONCLUSION: Envenomation caused by M. mipartitus provokes predicable neurotoxicity, and its treatment should be based on respiratory support and use of specific antivenom.