[Steatoda spider envenomation in southern France].
BACKGROUND
Cobweb spiders (genus Steatoda) are small species closely related to black widow spiders and their bites can induce envenomation known as steatodism.


METHODS
A 46-year-old man in the Gard district in southern France was sleeping in his bed when a spider (identification Steatoda triangulosa) bit him. Clinical manifestations included local signs together with systemic neurological symptoms resembling low-grade latrodectism (black widow envenomation).


CONCLUSIONS
This first-recorded case of steatodism in southern France differs in several ways from the classic pattern of latrodectism in Europe: the bite occurred in home during winter and mild symptoms resolved quickly without hospital care.


CONCLUSIONS
In endemic areas (in France the Mediterranean climate zone: Provence, Languedoc and Corsica), steatodism should be considered when low-grade latrodectism is observed.
Pommier
Philip
P
Centre Antipoison, Hôpital Salvator, Marseille.
Rollard
Christine
C
de Haro
Luc
L
D000818:Animals; D001740:Black Widow Spider; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D001098:Spider Bites / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013112:Spiders / Q000145:classification*; D013997:Time Factors