title: Black house spiders are unlikely culprits in necrotic arachnidism: a prospective study.
abstract: Twenty-five patients with definite bites by Badumna spp. spiders were recruited prospectively. Bites occurred across Australia, 92% from October to March, and most during daylight. Pain occurred in all cases, was severe in seven cases, with a median duration of 5 min. Other effects included: puncture marks (24%), swelling (12%) and erythema (68%). Minor systemic effects occurred in 4 bites. No patient had a necrotic ulcer (0%; 97.5% confidence interval 0-14%). Black house spiders (Badumna spp.) are unlikely to cause necrosis, contrary to reports of suspected bites. Patients can be reassured and do not require any further investigation or treatment.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Envenoming Research Group, University of Newcastle and Newcastle Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Newcastle, Australia. gsbite@ferntree.com
authors.forename: G K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Isbister
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Gray
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D001098:Spider Bites / Q000209:etiology*; D013111:Spider Venoms / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013112:Spiders
chemical_list: D013111:Spider Venoms