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A 30 year old woman bitten by a large Sri Lankan krait (Bungarus ceylonicus) developed progressive paralytic symptoms within one hour of the bite. After seeking traditional treatment her condition deteriorated and when she arrived at hospital 6 h after the bite she was drowsy, with bilateral ptosis and signs of aspiration pneumonia (a complication of traditional treatment). She developed an anaphylactic reaction after antivenom treatment and, despite treatment, had a cardio-respiratory arrest. She was resuscitated and mechanically ventilated, but remained deeply unconscious until her death 90 h after the bite. B. ceylonicus is endemic in Sri Lanka, is common in some areas, and could be mistaken for the common krait (B. caeruleus). It is doubtful whether any existing antivenom is effective against its venom.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg

Publication Date

11/1993

Volume

87

Pages

682 - 684

Keywords

Adult, Anaphylaxis, Animals, Antivenins, Bungarotoxins, Bungarus, Fatal Outcome, Female, Heart Arrest, Humans, Medicine, Traditional, Paralysis, Pneumonia, Aspiration, Snake Bites